Author Archives: Ted Villaire

Stories show the heavy toll of Chicago’s recent transit shutdown

| Jun 11, 2020

For Immediate Release

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MEDIA CONTACT:

Ted Villaire
Communications director
Active Transportation Alliance
312-563-1118
ted@activetrans.org

Stories show the heavy toll of Chicago’s recent transit shutdown

Chicago, IL — Many thousands of people who use public transit were stranded when local transit agencies shut down their services on multiple days during the recent mass protests in Chicago.

Stories collected by Active Transportation Alliance show that during the shutdown transit riders were suddenly faced with no way to return home,

This year’s Fifth Third Bike the Drive goes virtual!

| May 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Clare McDermott
Active Transportation Alliance
773-391-7709
clare@activetrans.org

This year’s Fifth Third Bike the Drive goes virtual!
Participants will enjoy Laugh the Drive — a comedy set featuring Chicago-based comedians plus other bike-themed perks

CHICAGO, IL, May 20, 2020 — After making the decision to cancel Fifth Third Bike the Drive because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Active Transportation Alliance knew many Chicagoans would still be craving a taste of this iconic event on Memorial Day Weekend.

COVID-19 resources and information from Active Trans

| Apr 23, 2020

As we address the global pandemic, the Active Transportation Alliance is adapting and responding — and continuing to do the important work of fighting for clean and equitable transportation.

As with many other critical public systems, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the underlying inequities in Chicago’s transportation network.

Years of disinvestment mean that the Black and Latinx communities hit hardest by COVID-19 in Chicago were already struggling with inadequate transportation options before the pandemic.

This year’s Fifth Third Bike the Drive cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

| Apr 20, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Clare McDermott
Active Transportation Alliance
773-391-7709
clare@activetrans.org

 

This year’s Fifth Third Bike the Drive cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Those who donate their registration fee to Active Trans will receive limited edition t-shirt

CHICAGO, April 20, 2020 — Following the recommendations set forth by local and federal officials, the Active Transportation Alliance has made the difficult decision to cancel Fifth Third Bike the Drive,

Local walking and biking champion dies of COVID-19

| Mar 23, 2020

People in the sustainable transportation world were saddened by the recent loss of John LaPlante, who died as a result of COVID-19.

LaPlante, who served as the first Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner, was dedicated to creating better conditions for people walking and biking in Chicago and throughout the nation.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued the following statement on Sunday:

“John LaPlante’s passing reminds us all of a turning point in the transportation life of our city.

Bike shops to stay open during “stay at home” order

| Mar 20, 2020

When Governor Pritzker announced a “stay at home” order today, we were glad that his office followed our recommendation to allow bike shops to stay open.

In the executive order, bike shops are considered “essential businesses” during this widespread shutdown, along with pharmacies, banks, gas stations, and other businesses people need to have access to (see number 12, part E of the executive order). The order will be in effect until April 7.

Thanks to all who joined our 2020 Awards Reception

| Mar 13, 2020

A big thank you to all the people who attended our 2020 Awards Reception. Your support enabled the event to be a great success!

And if you participated in the event’s paddle raise or silent auction, extra kudos to you.

Thanks to our friend Kye Martin of NBC Chicago, who served as the master of ceremonies as we honored John Buck, the Coalition for a Modern Metra Electric, State Rep. Theresa Mah,

Active Transportation Alliance has selected Amy Rynell as its next executive director

| Mar 6, 2020

For Immediate Release

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MEDIA CONTACT:
Kyle Whitehead
Managing Director of Public Affairs
312-216-0473
kyle@activetrans.org

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Mathews
Marketing and Information Manager
773-209-3889
jmathews@kees2success.com

Active Transportation Alliance has selected Amy Rynell as its next executive director

Chicago, IL — The Board of Directors of Active Transportation Alliance (Active Trans)—a coalition of people working to make walking,

Active Trans welcomes new executive director

| Mar 6, 2020

Active Trans is thrilled to announce that it has a new executive director, Amy Rynell.

Amy is an experienced nonprofit leader with a demonstrated commitment to social change. Working in the research and policy arm of the Chicago-based Heartland Alliance for the past 22 years, Amy has spent her career in social justice and human rights work.

During the past 8 years, she served as senior director for the research and policy division of the Heartland Alliance,

Better transportation options will help close the race gap

| Dec 6, 2019

When Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle spoke at the Active Trans annual member meeting on December 4, her message was clear: More equitable transportation will help eliminate the health, wealth, and education disparities that exist in communities of color versus White communities in Cook County.

“Within Cook County, transportation services and the opportunities they afford are not equally distributed,” she said. “Residents and businesses of low- and moderate-income communities travel further to get to jobs and have experienced less economic growth because of historic disinvestment.”

“You may have a two-hour commute to work because the only home you can afford is in Roseland and the only job you can get is in Rosemont.”

Government,