Blog

Proposed trail to Big Marsh Park picks up steam

Oct 8, 2021 | by Active Trans

In September, Active Trans and several partners hosted a virtual open house to share details about the recently-completed feasibility study exploring a proposed walking and biking trail over Lake Calumet, connecting Pullman to Big Marsh Park.

The area is rich with historic assets and beautiful open space, but today heavy industry cuts off many residents from these destinations.

The preferred trail route is represented by the yellow line on the map below.

Evaluating walkability in Cairo, Illinois

Sep 27, 2021 | by Ted Villaire

Community members in Cairo, Illinois, and a local planning agency are taking a close look at how conditions in the town are helping or hindering local walking habits.

Recently, with help from Active Trans and the Southern Five Regional Planning District, a walkability evaluation was conducted in this far Southern Illinois town of about 1,700 people.

During the event, planning staff fanned out with notepads and cameras to document the walking conditions and infrastructure.

Action alert: Help save the e-bike benefit in Congressional budget bill

Sep 23, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The U.S. Senate is currently deciding what stays and what gets dropped from the budget bill, and unfortunately, some important biking provisions are on the chopping block.

We need your help to make sure our Senators fight to keep these critical bike components in the bill.

Specifically, the latest draft includes a tax rebate for e-bikes and a bicycle commuter benefit. Both elements would help enable more people to replace car trips with bike trips and reduce our overall carbon footprint.

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

UPDATE (10/13/21): At their October board meeting the Metra board approved the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure the equipment needed to launch a zero emissions train set pilot. 

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.

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,