Blog

Longtime planner looks back on her remarkable career at Active Trans

Feb 25, 2022 | by Maya Norris

It’s the end of an era. After a decade of service to Active Transportation Alliance, Senior Transportation Planner Heather Schady is moving on, leaving behind a legacy that showcases the transformational power of walking, bicycling, and public transit in metropolitan Chicago.

Schady joined Active Trans in 2009 as its transportation planner. She worked with Active Trans until 2012 and then rejoined the organization in 2014.

As an expert in active transportation policy and design,

Dozens of organizations urge state to rethink priorities with new transportation funding

Feb 25, 2022 | by Julia Gerasimenko

With an influx of federal funding on its way to Illinois, advocates across the state and across the country are reminding state leadership that the funds must be spent on projects that enhance equity and sustainability.

As part of that effort, Active Trans joined 50 other advocacy groups from across Illinois in sending a letter to Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman that underscores the great need for them to move beyond the status quo in transportation spending.

Chicagoland loses a major figure in biking advocacy

Feb 22, 2022 | by Ted Villaire

We were saddened to hear the news of the death of Al Sturges, someone who had a deep and enduring impact on cycling in Chicagoland and throughout Illinois.

A resident of south suburban Park Forest, Sturges served as a board member and founding executive director of the state-wide bike advocacy organization Ride Illinois (formerly the League of Illinois Bicyclists), and he served on the board of the Active Transportation Alliance for many years.

Advocates call on RTA to step up engagement on strategic plan

Feb 22, 2022 | by Kyle Whitehead

With the Chicago area’s public transit system in crisis, advocates say the Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) ongoing strategic planning process has thus far failed to meet the needs of this historic moment.

Active Trans joined six other regional advocacy groups in sending a letter to the RTA Board of Directors highlighting how the plan is falling short and what’s needed to get the transit system through this crisis and,

Transit Equity Day event calls for investment in transit workers & riders

Feb 14, 2022 | by Julia Gerasimenko

Chicago Jobs with Justice recently launched Chicago’s first-ever transit riders union under its campaign Transit4All.

Active Transportation Alliance joined Chicago Jobs with Justice for the launch of their initiative as did Warehouse Workers for Justice, Sierra Club of Illinois, and local transit advocates. The goal is to foster an independent organization that would improve public transit for both riders and workers.

At a recent event that took place on Transit Equity Day,

Chicago’s first transit riders union launches on Transit Equity Day

Jan 31, 2022 | by Julia Gerasimenko

As decisions are being made about the future of Chicago’s transit system and how it serves our communities, people who ride transit deserve a seat at the table.

To ensure that riders’ voices are elevated in this conversation, Active Trans is working with a coalition to launch a transit riders union on Transit Equity Day, February 4.

Join Active Transportation Alliance, transit labor groups (Local ATU 241 and 308), SMART IL Transportation Division,

Winter biking tips to keep you pedaling in the cold and snow

Dec 23, 2021 | by Active Trans

Braving the Chicago winter on a bicycle may seem like a daunting prospect. But there’s no need to hang up your bike when the cold weather arrives.

With proper preparation, some extra gear, and the right attitude, you can navigate the city’s streets on two wheels like a seasoned winter rider.

Here are some tips and tricks for a safe, enjoyable winter biking experience.

Many cyclists often wonder what clothing to wear when biking in the winter.

Top 10 walking, biking, and transit stories of 2021

Dec 16, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

In year two of the coronavirus pandemic, Chicago area residents continued to adapt to a changing world and adjusted their transportation habits and expectations for this new reality.

Through it all, the Active Transportation Alliance worked with our community partners and legislative allies to fight for more residents to have access to safe, convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation options.

Here’s a look back at 10 of the most important walking, biking,

New law paves the way for more walking and cycling infrastructure

Dec 14, 2021 | by Maya Norris

Earlier this year, Illinois State Rep. Bob Morgan helped usher in new legislation that will allow more communities to build walking and biking infrastructure in the Chicago region.

The bill that Rep. Morgan co-sponsored — HB 2950 — allows the state and collar counties to spend gas tax funds on walking and bicycling infrastructure like sidewalks and bike lanes. Before this bill, gas tax revenue only went toward new roads.

Active Trans honors extraordinary advocates

Dec 8, 2021 | by Maya Norris

The rock star advocates that the Active Transportation Alliance works with took center stage at the organization’s recent 2021 Annual Meeting.

Active Trans celebrated their dedication and outstanding work, and the role they play in helping the nonprofit carry out its mission to improve walking, bicycling, and public transportation in the Chicago region.

Rochelle Jackson was honored with an Advocate of the Year award for her efforts to improve walkability and bus service in North Lawndale,