Blog

Tired of waiting for a CTA train or bus? Take action for more service!

Nov 7, 2023 | by Julia Gerasimenko

We’ve long championed robust public transit as the backbone of urban sustainability and accessibility.

Unfortunately, recent trends in service by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) present a worrying picture, not just for transit advocates but for every resident relying on public transportation.

A concerning chart below from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) illustrates a stark reality: Overall transit service levels have been on the decline even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

South suburban trails are about to get more connected

Nov 2, 2023 | by Maya Norris

An expanded and more connected trail system is taking shape in the south suburbs.

We recently hosted a webinar that explored how the Cal-Sag Trail, Old Plank Road Trail, Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail, and Centennial Trail are improving their connectivity — expanding opportunities for nearby communities to reap the benefits of recreation, healthy lifestyles, and economic development.

Here’s what we learned.

Built almost entirely along the banks of the Cal-Sag Channel and the Calumet River,

IDOT asked to create a bold walking and biking plan

Oct 12, 2023 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

As the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) develops its state-wide plan for improving walking and biking, dozens of organizations and municipalities are urging the state to take a bold approach with the plan.

Active Transportation Alliance has rallied together 69 organizations and municipalities that have expressed their support for a series of recommended policies and programs for IDOT to consider while developing its plan.

Here are a few examples of policies and programs that could have a positive impact on active transportation projects throughout the state:

• Encourage IDOT to formerly endorse the National Association of City Transportation Officials’

New law requires CDOT to identify contributing factors in fatal crashes

Oct 5, 2023 | by Jim Merrell

The Chicago City Council recently adopted an ordinance outlining strengthened requirements for the city’s reporting on fatal crashes.  

Spearheaded by 50th Ward Alderperson Debra Silverstein, the Fatal Crash Legacy Ordinance will require a detailed investigation after a fatal crash to identify contributing factors.

The law requires Chicago Department of Transportation to develop a list of recommended safety improvements that can address any identified contributing factors. 

This means survivors and advocates will have access to more detailed information as well as actionable steps on how to address underlying unsafe conditions on our roadways.  

South Side trail updates and improvements

Sep 14, 2023 | by Olivia Borowiak

The South Side of Chicago has long suffered from a dearth of trails and green space. Thankfully, it’s an issue that’s getting more attention.

Local community groups and government agencies are revitalizing vacant community spaces to create new trails and enhance existing trails as they seek to bring sustainable transportation options to these historically disinvested neighborhoods.

Recently, Active Transportation Alliance hosted a webinar exploring the exciting improvements and new projects coming to these trails that will create long-overdue sustainable transportation options.

Long-awaited Red Line Extension moves closer to reality

Sep 14, 2023 | by David Powe

After decades of anticipation, the CTA Red Line Extension (RLE) project is set to receive a nearly $2 billion injection of federal funding.

The RLE will be a 5.6-mile expansion of CTA’s Red Line from 95th Street  to 130th Street on Chicago’s Far South Side.

The project aims to foster thriving communities by connecting Far South Side residents to essential opportunities like education, employment, and healthcare.

The Federal Transit Administration recently pledged a remarkable $1.973 billion through the New Starts program.

Explore the Heritage Corridor this fall with Metra

Sep 12, 2023 | by Ted Villaire

Metra is offering special service on the Heritage Corridor Line on Saturdays this fall, giving Chicago-area residents opportunities to explore the biking and running paths, festivals, craft breweries, restaurants, and communities along the Metra route that runs southwest of the city to Joliet.

Dubbed “Rails, Trails and Ales,” the program offers three round-trip trains, each equipped with Metra’s new bike cars to carry extra bikes, on Saturdays through Oct. 14.

The trains will leave Chicago Union Station at 10:30 a.m.,

Plow the Sidewalks pilot program takes a step forward

Sep 6, 2023 | by Olivia Borowiak

After many decades of policies that have fallen far short of keeping our sidewalks clear of snow in the winter, Chicago is on the verge of vast improvements when it comes to enhancing mobility when the snow falls.

In July, Better Streets Chicago and Access Living’s Plow the Sidewalks Pilot Program ordinance passed in city council 49-1. The ordinance approved the formation of a committee that will establish zones of the pilot program by May 2024 before expanding citywide.

Fare program helps commuters save on public transit costs

Aug 31, 2023 | by Maya Norris

Good news for commuters. New legislation will enable more public transportation users to save on their daily commuting costs, making transit more affordable and accessible in metropolitan Chicago.

On July 28, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Transportation Benefits Program Act into law. It expands the Regional Transportation Authority Transit Benefit Fare Program, which allows people to pay for transit and parking using pre-tax dollars. The legislation mandates employers with 50 or more full-time employees and located within 1 mile of a fixed-route transit service,

The unsung heroes who are making the region better for biking

Aug 11, 2023 | by Olivia Borowiak

Each year, Chicago Bike Month is jam packed with bike-related activities like community rides, pop-up biking stations, and bike repair clinics.

While Active Trans organizes some of the Bike Month events during the month of May, most of the events are organized by small grassroots groups.

Even though Bike Month is long gone, we want to recognize the outstanding programs organized by our partners.

We think of these folks as the unsung heroes of local biking culture.