Blog
Keep up with the latest news
on Active Trans and topics that
we care about in the region.
After passing in the Illinois House of Representatives last month, our bill — HB 270 — to eliminate the local cost share for walking and biking infrastructure on state roads has now passed out of committee in the Illinois Senate. But there’s only two weeks left in the legislative session and we need to make sure it’s called to the […]
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The proposed One Central tower and transit hub on Chicago’s South Side is poorly conceived and wouldn’t increase transit access for the city’s highest need residents. Thankfully, State Rep. Kam Buckner has introduced a bill (House Bill 4075) to ensure the project doesn’t receive $6.5 billion in public funds. Buckner, whose district includes the site, says he’s heard from constituents opposed to the […]
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The just-announced Chicago Works Five Year Capital Plan offers Chicago an extraordinary opportunity to show how walking, biking, and transit can help spark and sustain an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan highlights a number of inspiring and potentially transformational projects, including $159.2 million dedicated to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) in 2021 and 2022 for Complete Streets improvements — like […]
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On Earth Day 2021, we joined 23 local organizations to deliver a letter to the Illinois Congressional delegation to push for a historic investment in public transit in the United States. Dozens of national and local organizations will be delivering similar letters to their local congressional delegations as well as part of the National Campaign for Transit Justice. See below […]
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Sustainable transportation advocacy is typically made up of the usual suspects: policy wonks, urban planners, legislators, and other experts in the field exploring the best ways to improve walking, biking, and public transit. But Romina Castillo wants to make room at the table for other perspectives. As a transportation advocate and planner, Castillo brings together transportation professionals with community residents, […]
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The heads of Metra commuter rail and Pace Suburban Bus agree the pandemic has changed suburban transit forever. Now they’re preparing to adapt how they deliver service to the meet the new reality. Metra CEO Jim Derwinski and Pace Executive Director Rocky Donahue spoke with Active Trans Executive Director Amy Rynell in our Transit Justice Forum on the Future of Suburban Transit. Leanne Redden, head of […]
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The Illinois Senate is advancing Active Trans’ bill to eliminate the local share of the costs for walking and biking infrastructure on state roads. Now we need your help to make sure it passes out of committee. Senate Bill 1768 is scheduled to be presented in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, April 13 at 3:30 p.m. Will you file […]
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Ever wondered about the best time for advocates to get involved in a new transportation project? Or maybe you’ve been stumped about the most effective way to gather input about transportation projects from a wide range of people in your community? These are just a couple of the thorny questions addressed in a series of workshops held during Active Trans’ […]
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Wondering about walking-, biking-, and transit-related projects currently underway in Chicagoland’s suburban communities? Well, here’s your chance to find out what’s happening. During our recent Suburban Action Week event, we heard directly from county staff in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. Staff from county departments of transportation, councils of mayors, forest preserves, and other agencies shared […]
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If you’ve ever considered pursuing a walking, biking, or public transit improvement project in your suburban community, you’ll find this series of videos to be a treasure trove of information. The Active Transportation Alliance recently hosted its first-ever virtual Suburban Action Week, featuring 25 short online talks and workshops with advocates, county staff, and community leaders throughout the region. Ten […]
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