Blog

Transportation issues on the city’s Southwest Side during COVID-19

Jul 28, 2020 | by Lynda Lopez

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of what we perceive and know about mobility and transportation.

In recent months, Active Trans met with more than 100 stakeholders who are invested in our work. We spoke with community partners, elected officials, department of transportation and transit agency officials, and residents across the city and suburbs.

As part of this process, we held a series of small-group conversations and solo conversations with stakeholders and two elected officials on the city’s Southwest Side.

Chicago prepares second e-scooter pilot

Jul 27, 2020 | by Kyle Whitehead

The scooters are coming. Again. 

Officials say four companies responded to the city’s request for applications for a second e-scooter sharing pilot this summer. Chicago selected Bird, Lime, and Spin to participate in this year’s program, which launches August 12.

The terms reflect many of the recommendations from Active Trans’ E-Scooter Policy Report, which was released following the 2019 pilot. 

• The companies can operate a combined 10,000 scooters in a geographic area that includes most of the city. 

Active Trans member reaches big biking goal

Jul 27, 2020 | by Active Trans

A tip of the golden bike helmet goes to Active Trans member Jon Gottlieb for crossing the 100,000-mile finish line.

Although many people treasure the Lakefront Trail as an urban retreat, as far as we know there’s only one Chicagoan who has ridden 100,000 miles over 44 years with 90 percent of that being accomplished on the trail.

Gottlieb was very close to completing his 100,000-mile goal when the Lakefront Trail was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bus Fellows deliver budget request to City Council

Jul 23, 2020 | by Julia Gerasimenko

Active Trans’ Bus Organizing Fellows, Rylen Clark and Jamaine Alberto Gooding, submitted comments to July’s Chicago City Council meeting. Jamaine was selected to provide oral comments before the full council while both Jamaine and Rylen submitted written comments.

You can read Jamaine’s comments in full here and Rylen’s comments in full here. Below are excerpts from their testimonies:

To Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the members of Chicago City Council,

Transportation issues on the city’s West Side during COVID-19

Jul 23, 2020 | by Lynda Lopez

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of what we perceive and know about mobility and transportation.

In recent months, Active Trans met with more than 100 stakeholders who are invested in our work. We spoke with community partners, elected officials, department of transportation and transit agency officials, and residents across the city and suburbs.

As part of this process, we held a series of small-group conversations and solo conversations with stakeholders and an elected official on the city’s West Side.

Take action for 30 miles of bus lanes and masks for riders

Jul 20, 2020 | by Julia Gerasimenko

As the Mayor and City Council develop the 2021 Chicago city budget, we urge them to work with the Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Department of Transportation to:

– Roll out 10 miles of bus lanes before the end of 2020 as part of the city’s COVID-19 response

– Fund and build out 20 additional miles by the end of 2021

– Provide masks for all transit riders

Additional walking and biking guidance during COVID-19

Jul 17, 2020 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

Earlier this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Active Transportation Alliance worked with Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) to develop a shareable infographic offering advice on how to stay safe while walking and biking.

Now that our state has reached Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, which allows for physically-distanced and masked gatherings of up to 100 people in outdoor spaces, many have asked if walking and biking in small groups is considered safe.

Tell Congress to keep Chicago transit moving

Jul 17, 2020 | by Kyle Whitehead

As the U.S. House and Senate return to work on the nation’s COVID-19 response next week, providing emergency support for transit agencies must be a top priority. 

Sign a letter to your members of Congress calling for $32 billion in COVID relief for U.S. transit agencies.

Transit continues to play an essential role in keeping the region’s economy afloat during the pandemic. Our buses and trains connect people to work, 

Further impacts of the transit shutdown in Chicago

Jul 11, 2020 | by Active Trans

The recent CTA shutdown stirred a lot of emotions among residents throughout the city. It also caused lot of discomfort and inconvenience.

The shutdown came at a time when widespread social unrest over police-involved killings was happening in Chicago and the nation. Following the abrupt transit shutdown were the calls for accountability for the city officials and mayor.

The bus fellows at Active Trans saw an opportunity to capture these concerns and launched a rapid survey response.

Illinois lags other states in walking and biking policy

Jul 10, 2020 | by Kyle Whitehead

Illinois is becoming a more walk- and bike-friendly state, but it still has a long way to go to catch up with national leaders, according to a new report from the Safe Routes Partnership. 

The partnership, a national nonprofit working to advance safe walking and biking to schools and other everyday destinations, recently released its 2020 State Report Cards. Illinois scored a 92 out of 200 points,