Blog

Voices united: Rallying for better transit on NDLSD

Aug 19, 2024 | by Ted Villaire

Community spirit and collective determination took center stage as many dozens of people gathered recently to demand that city officials take their foot off the gas with the plan to rebuild DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

The event brought together residents, advocates, and elected officials, all united in the belief that the current plans by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for rebuilding NDLSD fall short of addressing the needs and desires of the community.

Coalition calls for halting NDLSD redesign project

Jul 22, 2024 | by Active Trans

A coalition of organizations issued a strong statement today opposing the current plans for rebuilding North DuSable Lake Shore Drive (NDLSD) as proposed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and its project team.

The coalition — comprised of organizations dedicated to sustainable transportation, regional planning, and environmental justice — emphasizes that the project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the lakefront and address critical challenges facing the city and region.

Chicago needs a safe cycling network

Jul 18, 2024 | by Active Trans

The Chicago Tribune recently reached out to readers, including the Active Transportation Alliance, to share their thoughts on the state of cycling in Chicago.

As an organization that has been working to improve conditions for cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users in the Chicagoland area for nearly 40 years, we had valuable insights to contribute to this important discussion.

Our advocacy manager, Alex Perez, took on the task of crafting a letter that encapsulated our organization’s perspective on the current state of cycling in Chicago.

Does your community need funding for walking and biking projects?

Jul 16, 2024 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

What would inspire you, your family, or friends to walk or bike more within your suburban or rural community?

Could the addition of protected bike lanes, multi-use paths, or improved sidewalk connections make a difference?

Next month, one of our state’s largest sources of funding for walking and biking infrastructure projects will become available.

Starting August 1, this key funding source — the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) — will be accepting grant applications for two months,

RTA Board should voice support for transit on Chicago’s lakefront

Jun 20, 2024 | by Active Trans

The reconstruction of North DuSable Lake Shore Drive (NDLSD) presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to have an impact on Chicago’s transportation landscape for better or worse.

As the NDLSD project team prepares to announce their preferred design, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board has a critical role to play in supporting high-quality transit solutions for this project.

For years, advocacy groups and residents have called for a forward-thinking approach that moves away from the highway-centric model and embraces dedicated space for public transit.

Chicago’s bike touring legend George Christensen will be honored at Ride of Silence

May 14, 2024 | by Active Trans

Chicago’s bicycling community lost a champion last month.

George Christensen, a former bike courier who rode thousands of miles each year and traversed entire continents by bike, eloquently chronicling his adventures along the way, was tragically killed while riding in South Carolina. He was 73.

On Monday, April 22, Christensen was on his latest epic bike trip, traveling up the Atlantic coast from Orlando, Florida and visiting Carnegie libraries – another one of his many passions – along the way.

Join us May 15 for the Chicago Ride of Silence as we mourn lives lost

May 10, 2024 | by Ted Villaire

On Wednesday, May 15, all are invited to join a worldwide annual bicycle ride to honor the people killed while biking on public roadways.

Rides will be held in Chicago, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Evanston/Skokie, and Villa Park. See the full list of Illinois rides and details about how to participate.

The event calls attention to the right of people to bike on the road and the urgent need for infrastructure that will make biking in Chicago safer and more welcoming for people of all ages and abilities.

State legislators introduce bill to transform Illinois transit 

Apr 30, 2024 | by Jim Merrell

Speaking at a press conference in the Great Hall of Chicago’s Union Station, Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado unveiled a transformational package of legislation aimed at dramatically remaking how public transit is managed and funded in the state.

Chief among the proposed reforms is combining the existing four regional transit agencies (the Regional Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, Pace, and Metra) into a new consolidated Metropolitan Mobility Authority.

Tell city council: A lower speed limit in Chicago will save lives

Apr 23, 2024 | by Ted Villaire

Last year, 115 lives were tragically cut short in Chicago due to fatal car crashes.

Excessive speed was a critical factor in nearly half of those incidents.

With higher speeds, the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities skyrockets.

Because of the role speed plays in car crashes, lowering the speed limit even a small amount can have an outsized effect on road safety. (Please read our recent op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times on this topic.)

We are at a pivotal moment as local lawmakers consider reducing Chicago’s default urban speed limit — a proven strategy that has made streets safer in cities around the nation.

Make your voice heard for safer streets in Chicago

Apr 15, 2024 | by Ted Villaire

Over the past five years, the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways has soared.

Speed is typically a major culprit.

If you want to see motorists traveling at safer speeds, please consider taking action by contacting your alderperson.

Chicago City Council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety will hold a hearing on lowering the Chicago default speed limit on May 1.

Please take a moment to urge your alderperson to support lower speed limits by sending them this action alert.