Blog

Chicago needs a protected and connected bike network now

May 17, 2022 | by Alex Perez

We’re pleased to see that Chicago’s new Climate Action Plan features ambitious goals to reduce driving and get more people walking and biking by redesigning the city’s most dangerous streets.

Now we need to make sure city officials follow through with this plan by investing available federal, state, and local transportation funds into building a protected and connected bike network throughout the city.

People who bike deserve to be protected from dangerous car traffic no matter where they begin or end their trip. 

May 18: Let’s mourn lives lost and demand safer options for people biking

May 13, 2022 | by Ted Villaire

On Wednesday, May 18, you’re invited to join others around the world on an annual bicycle ride to honor the people killed while biking in the past year.

In addition to honoring those people killed by drivers, the ride highlights the urgent need for infrastructure that will make biking in Chicago safer and more welcoming for people of all ages and abilities.

“We need to remember that this tragic loss of life is unnecessary and completely avoidable,” said Chicago Ride of Silence organizer Elizabeth Adamczyk.

Active Trans recognizes local transportation champions

May 4, 2022 | by Ted Villaire

The recent 2022 Active Trans Awards Reception provided an opportunity for advocates and supporters to celebrate the work of Active Trans and reconnect with one another.

The focus of the evening, however, was to recognize the local people who are putting us on a better path for getting around.

These champions of sustainable transportation deserve our appreciation and support for making walking, biking, and riding transit easier, safer, and more equitable.

Chicago needs to get on board with dedicated bus lanes 

May 4, 2022 | by Active Trans

As the city of Chicago develops a plan for improving its bus service, your input is needed in coming days to ensure the plan lays the groundwork for what we desperately need: fast and reliable bus service

How often have you had this maddening experience?

You’re on a Chicago bus and running late for an appointment. Thanks to heavy traffic, the bus is creeping along from one backed up traffic light to the next.

Advocates call for removing road expansion projects from regional plan

Apr 29, 2022 | by Kyle Whitehead

A coalition of advocacy organizations is urging regional transportation officials to abandon plans to expand expressways and arterial streets given the proven harm these projects have on quality of life in communities across the Chicago region.

Active Trans joined nine other groups in a letter to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) transportation committee. The agency is currently updating its list of regionally signficant projects that are eligible for federal funding.

Help build a transportation platform for Illinois’ gubernatorial election

Apr 14, 2022 | by Kyle Whitehead

Active Transportation Alliance is planning a campaign to educate candidates and voters about key transportation issues facing the state and we need your help. 

Take our brief survey to share your input and ideas on our 2022 Sustainable Transportation Platform for Illinois. 

Illinois’ primary election for governor is on June 28 and the general election is set for November 8.

With transportation now the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions statewide primarily from fossil-fuel powered cars and trucks,

How can Chicago suburbs become more walkable and bike-friendly?

Apr 13, 2022 | by Kyle Whitehead

With gas prices surging and climate threats getting worse, many towns across the Chicago region are trying to do more to support walking and biking as transportation options. But they often struggle to figure out what policies and projects to prioritize, and what makes a real difference in promoting alternatives to driving.  

Help is on the way.

Active Trans is excited to co-host a new event series, Taking Climate Action by Prioritizing Walking,

New Chicago scooter program heightens need for more protected bike lanes

Apr 7, 2022 | by Kyle Whitehead

Mayor Lightfoot announced Chicago’s first multi-year electric scooter sharing program will launch in early May, introducing 4,000 new micromobility vehicles to city streets and bike lanes.

The new program adds to the urgency for city officials to plan and build a citywide network of protected bike lanes so people on bikes and scooters have safe places to ride.

With gas prices surging, shared bikes and scooters could provide needed alternatives to driving — but only if people feel safe and comfortable riding them. 

Chicago should pair trails vision with plan for safe, connected bikeways on streets

Apr 5, 2022 | by Active Trans

Last week Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a citywide vision of trails and open space projects that she said would promote the health and well-being of all Chicago residents and visitors. 

The new map provides a compelling vision that opens the door to funding many high-impact projects that community leaders have fought for over many years.

But by itself it will not make a meaningful difference in advancing the city’s climate,

Sidewalk snow removal in Chicago should be a city service

Mar 31, 2022 | by Active Trans

The following is a guest blog post by Michael Podgers, an organizer with the local advocacy organization, Better Streets Chicago.

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Chicago is experiencing the first balmy days of spring. But as always, winter will return, and it will bring back the many annoyances of falling temperatures, like ice and snow.

For many, these are inconveniences. People may gripe, but they won’t stop daily life.