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Although people of color make up about one third of the population, they make up 46.1 percent of pedestrian deaths.

Empower your community: Apply for a $300 stipend with Project Sidewalk!

Oct 24, 2024 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

This fall and winter, cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and make a difference in your community!

The Active Transportation Alliance is teaming up with University of Illinois-Chicago’s (UIC’s) Project Sidewalk team to offer stipends for up to 10 volunteer groups and individuals committed to virtually mapping the conditions of their local sidewalks and bikeways.

From the comforts of your own home, you’ll get hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools to identify areas in need of improvement, ensuring your community is safer and more accessible for everyone.

 

WHAT IS PROJECT SIDEWALK?

Project Sidewalk is a free, online tool that uses crowdsourcing to collect data on sidewalk and bikeway accessibility.

Broken, cracked, and missing sidewalks create hazardous conditions that limit mobility and exclude people with disabilities and other vulnerable road users from fully participating in their communities. Similarly, when bikeways become inaccessible due to debris, potholes, faded paint or other obstacles, they no longer function as a safe option for a majority of bicyclists.

The data collected through Project Sidewalk can be used by city governments to prioritize sidewalk, bikeway, and intersection repairs and upgrades. Community members can also use the data to lobby for more funding for active transportation.

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

If you’re willing to attend a couple virtual trainings and commit to mapping a specific area or all of your community, you should apply for the stipend! This includes community advocates, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone passionate about making Chicagoland more accessible. The program is looking for people no matter if they live in the City of Chicago or its suburban communities.

The insights you gather through Project Sidewalk will directly help improve walkability, bikeability, and overall accessibility, especially for people with disabilities. Plus, you’ll get to network with fellow advocates and build new skills that will benefit you and your community.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Training and support: Participants will attend two virtual map-a-thon training sessions in December/January where you’ll learn how to map sidewalk and bikeway conditions in your community.
  • Stay connected: Optional monthly check-in calls will be held during the winter and spring to ensure everyone has the support they need and to share progress. We’ll also strategize on how you can use your findings for infrastructure improvements in your community.
  • Involve others: Recruit others to join your efforts to create a bigger community impact.
  • Flexibility and fun: The $300 stipend is designed to support your Project Sidewalk efforts, whether you want to host a pizza party for your group, offer prizes for completing tasks, or use it for advocacy initiatives based on your findings.

 

GET INVOLVED

Apply by Monday, November 25 for a chance to join the Project Sidewalk stipend program.

If you have any questions, please email Maggie Czerwinski at maggie@activetrans.org.