Blog
Keep up with the latest news
on Active Trans and topics that
we care about in the region.
An important part of our campaign for a continuous Chicago River Trail is understanding the nature of land along the river. Getting a sense of the riverbank and adjacent developments help us see how access to the river and connections to a future trail might be created. To get a better sense of the river edge from Belmont to Diversey, […]
Because the Chicago River has emerged as one of the city’s premier destinations, it’s important we improve walking and biking along the river so that all Chicagoans can safely enjoy it. That’s exactly what’s happening in our project to identify and push for walking and biking upgrades along the Riverwalk and Upper Wacker Dr. on the Main Branch of the […]
The Chicago River Trail coalition is making sure local partners shape plans for better walking, biking and access to transit along the South Branch. Active Trans’ campaign for a continuous river trail relies on the expertise of local partners to determine the location of trails and safe access points for people walking and biking. During a recent gathering at the […]
Update: July 12, 2019: The Illinois Tollway announced that it’s ending the environmental impact study of a Route 53 extension, effectively dropping the project for the fourth time since it was identified in a regional transportation plan in 1962. __________________________________ In a major victory for walking, biking, and transit, the Lake County Board unanimously removed language supporting the Route 53 […]
After nearly nine years leading Active Trans, Ron Burke recently decided to step down. As he moves on to his new position at Lyft, we decided to ask for his take on what’s been happening at Active Trans during the past decade. Here are his thoughts about various topics, like the organization’s recent accomplishments and what’s in the cards for […]
Because trails are emerging quickly along the Chicago River, it’s urgent we push for connections between them now so they will link people to jobs, shopping districts, and recreational opportunities. One place we’re working to extend the Chicago River Trail is on the North Side between Belmont and Diversey Avenues. Two riverfront paths are on the verge of being completed […]
Even if you don’t personally know Kathy Schubert, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her riding around Chicago or volunteering at an Active Transportation Alliance event. That’s because she not only puts on a lot of miles during the year — 6,000 is her record — but you tend to get noticed when you bike around town or across entire […]
Active Trans joined a coalition of advocates in calling on Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to make the city’s ride-hailing fee more equitable and analyze possible congestion pricing options. In a letter sent to Mayor Lightfoot and relevant committee chairs, the group argues that changes to the fee structure would encourage more people using sustainable transportation options, such as shared rides, […]
Stephanie Sims, a Lincoln Park resident and Active Trans Ambassador, is using her training to rally her neighbors to support the proposed Dickens Neighborhood Greenway. Sims is circulating a petition urging 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith to make the project a top priority. When Sims was recently trained to be an Active Trans Ambassador, she learned the ins and outs […]
The Skokie Valley Trail extension project needs your support! If completed, the trail would fill a 4.5-mile gap through the Villages of Skokie, Northfield, Glenview, and Wilmette to create a continuous trail from Lake Bluff to Chicago (see map, gap shown in red). This regional trail opportunity is a top priority for the Active Transportation Alliance. The connection could provide […]