Blog

Chicago adds protected bike lanes, updates bike network strategy

Sep 23, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

Chicago announced what it’s calling the “biggest bike lane expansion in the city’s history” this week, saying the new lanes will improve resident health and safety and help build stronger, cleaner, and more resilient neighborhoods. 

The news comes thanks to $17 million in new funding in 2021 and 2022 from Mayor Lightfoot’s Chicago Works capital plan. This will fund 100 miles of “new and upgraded” bike lanes over two years,

Pace Suburban Bus commits to zero emissions by 2040

Sep 20, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

Our suburban transit system took an important step forward recently when Pace announced a commitment to zero emission vehicles by 2040 in its strategic plan. In making this commitment, Pace is joining CTA in planning to phase out diesel and compressed natural gas buses within 20 years.

This transition will help improve the air quality and health in countless suburban communities that rely on Pace to provide an affordable,

Metra should get moving on piloting zero emissions trains

Sep 16, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

Active Transportation Alliance joined 28 other civic and environmental organizations in urging Metra to start testing zero emission technology.

The coalition delivered a letter to the Metra board on the topic that was read into the record at the September meeting. This came in response to a decision by board in August to delay the release of an request for proposals that would have kickstarted the process for launching a pilot.

Low-cost CTA and Metra passes should be made permanent

Sep 16, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The CTA and Metra’s lower priced daily passes have saved riders money while encouraging more people to ride transit. 

Now, as the agencies develop their budgets for 2022, these discounts should be made permanent to help our region’s transportation network be more equitable and sustainable. 

The CTA launched low-cost passes on Memorial Day this year and recently extended them through November 25.  

• CTA 1-Day Pass: $5 (down from $10) 
• CTA 3-Day Pass: $15 (down from $20) 
• CTA 7-Day Pass: $20 (down from $28)  

Any further extension will require action from the CTA board. 

A new trail to connect Lake Calumet area

Sep 14, 2021 | by Active Trans

Chicago’s Far South Side is an area rich in historical, cultural, and open space destinations.

From Pullman National Monument to Big Marsh Park and the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, the area has no shortage of popular spots for Chicagoans to visit and enjoy.

Unfortunately, a lack of safe walking and biking connections to these spots makes accessing them difficult for many residents who can’t or don’t drive.

The geography,

Protected bike lanes coming to Logan/Western area

Sep 2, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The area where Kevin Clark and Tyler Fabeck were tragically killed while riding their bikes in recent years is slated to finally receive long overdue safety upgrades.

Active Trans worked with Kevin Clark’s family and 1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata to push for improvements at the intersection of W. Logan Blvd. and N. Western Ave. after 32-year-old Kevin was hit and killed while riding his bike through the intersection in May.

Bill eliminating local match for walk/bike infrastructure becomes law

Aug 31, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

Illinois law now requires the state to cover 100 percent of the cost of walking and biking infrastructure when it’s needed on state roads.

Illinois House Bill 270 took effect on Tuesday, August 30, after it passed the legislature in May with strong bipartisan majorities.

Active Transportation Alliance championed the legislation along with Ride Illinois and Metropolitan Planning Council.

Until now,

Take action now to restore $10 billion in federal transit funding cuts

Aug 20, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The infrastructure bill that passed the U.S. Senate in August cut $10 billion that would have gone toward public transit — and that was $10 billion that was already agreed to by both parties.

This is just one reason the bill is woefully inadequate in creating a cleaner and more equitable transportation network.

We need the House to hold the line and honor the original commitment. Either by amending the Senate bill or as part of a budget reconciliation package,

Take action now to fix highway-heavy bipartisan infrastructure bill

Aug 6, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The U.S. Senate is finalizing a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that would increase funding for transit and traffic safety, but still includes far too much unchecked spending to build and expand roads. 

Now we need your help to make sure our senators take advantage of an opportunity to improve the bill before it’s called for a final vote, which could occur as soon as this weekend.  

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Please ask your senators to support the following transit justice amendments: 

• The Kaine amendment (2373),

Rep. Moeller plays key role in passing bill to improve walking & biking

Jul 29, 2021 | by Ted Villaire

Getting the Illinois Department of Transportation to eliminate its 20 percent local match requirement for walking and biking improvements on state roads was a long and arduous battle.

It required months of work on the part of advocates and lawmakers across Illinois.

Thankfully, all the effort paid off.

IDOT has always covered all costs for motor vehicle infrastructure on state roads.

Now, thanks to this legislation that Active Trans spearheaded,