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on Active Trans and topics that
we care about in the region.

Duct tape and paint transforms walking and biking infrastructure in Peoria

By Maya Norris | October 24, 2021

If you think walking and bicycling infrastructure projects require large capital investments, think again. In September, the Peoria City and County Health Departments and the Greater Peoria Family YMCA Teen Reach Program transformed a street in downtown Peoria, Ill., into a safe haven for sustainable transportation with some duct tape, paint, and sweat equity as part of the Peoria Complete […]

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Chicago needs more safe places to ride bikes and scooters on city streets

By Kyle Whitehead | October 13, 2021

Update (10/14/21): Chicago City Council passed the e-scooter ordinance. The program is expected to launch in Spring 2022. As Chicago City Council considers an ordinance establishing a long-term e-scooter sharing program, Active Transportation Alliance submitted a letter in support of the ordinance to the Transportation and Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committees. Following are excerpts from the letter: Active Transportation Alliance […]

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Proposed trail to Big Marsh Park picks up steam

By Ted Villaire | October 8, 2021

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. VISION FOR […]

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Evaluating walkability in Cairo, Illinois

By Ted Villaire | September 27, 2021

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 […]

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

By Kyle Whitehead | September 23, 2021

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 […]

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Chicago adds protected bike lanes, updates bike network strategy

By Kyle Whitehead | September 23, 2021

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 […]

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Pace Suburban Bus commits to zero emissions by 2040

By Kyle Whitehead | September 20, 2021

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 […]

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Metra should get moving on piloting zero emissions trains

By Kyle Whitehead | September 16, 2021

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 […]

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Low-cost CTA and Metra passes should be made permanent

By Kyle Whitehead | September 16, 2021

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 […]

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A new trail to connect Lake Calumet area

By Ted Villaire | September 14, 2021

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 […]

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