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

NW Side residents eye biking, walking improvements

By Ted Villaire | November 10, 2017

Post image: Over thirty people recently attended a community forum on biking, walking and transit conditions on the Northwest side of Chicago at Cosmic Bikes in Jefferson Park. Representatives of the North Branch Trail Alliance, the North River Commission and local residents were all in attendance. Maps were laid out to collect both general and specific information about improvements to pedestrian […]

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Mobilizing suburban advocates

By Ted Villaire | November 10, 2017

The time has come for suburban Chicago communities to boost their game when it comes to improving walkability, bikeability and transit. In pursuit of these goals, 65 advocates from 44 villages and cities around Chicagoland recently joined Active Trans for our inaugural Bike Walk Every Town suburban advocacy summits. Designed to mobilize grassroots leaders to work on improving biking, walking […]

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Proposed distracted walking ordinance misses real problem

By Ted Villaire | November 9, 2017

The distracted walking ordinance proposed by Ald. Burke and Beale at Wednesday’s City Council meeting misdiagnoses the problem contributing to traffic deaths involving people walking. The ordinance proposes fining people who are crossing the street while using a mobile device “in a manner that averts their visual attention to that device.” The fine would be $90 for the first offense […]

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Leaders from West and South Sides discuss safety

By Ted Villaire | November 8, 2017

Post image:  In our conversations this fall with community leaders from Vision Zero high crash areas on the West and South Sides of Chicago, the leaders consistently called for more infrastructure investment in their neighborhoods. Active Trans reached out to several community-based organizations after we cancelled our Vision Zero Summit planned for September. Several partners were concerned the event wouldn’t […]

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New report calls for city action to reverse bus ridership declines

By Ted Villaire | November 6, 2017

A healthy and growing bus system is critical to building a more sustainable transportation network in Chicago. Back on the Bus, a new report from the Active Transportation Alliance, analyzes the recent drop in Chicago bus ridership and outlines low-cost ways to improve service and increase bus ridership. Read the executive summary and full report. Share the report on social media […]

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Illinois has work to do to be more bicycle friendly

By Ted Villaire | November 1, 2017

Post image:  A new report finds Illinois has a solid foundation in place to become one of the most bicycle friendly states in the nation, but we’re missing opportunities to improve. The League of American Bicyclists ranks Illinois 16th in the country and third in the Midwest for biking and walking. The state finished first in the Legislation & Enforcement category […]

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November events on the Lakefront Trail

By Ted Villaire | October 27, 2017

Post image:  The Active Transportation Alliance compiles a list of events happening each month along the Lakefront Trail. See what's going on in the month of November so you can better plan your walking, biking or running route. As the temperatures fall heading into winter, there are fewer events to watch out for.  For regular updates about the Lakefront Trail, […]

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Lakefront Trail users need protection from LSD traffic

By Ted Villaire | October 24, 2017

Post image:  As the Lakefront Trail separation project moves forward, it’s become clear the city should add guard rails to sections of the bike trail that run close to car traffic on Lake Shore Drive. For the past several weeks we have heard from a handful of members and supporters concerned about the proximity of the newly separated trail and […]

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Move prompts stroll down memory lane

By Ted Villaire | October 20, 2017

Post image:  After 12 years at 9 W. Hubbard, Active Trans is moving. Starting Monday, Oct. 23, our new outpost is on the 17th floor of 35 E. Wacker in downtown Chicago.  Moving a 32-year-old nonprofit organization has been no easy task. Choosing what needs to be packed, what needs to be recycled and what needs to be donated — […]

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Raising ride-hailing fee to fund public transit makes sense

By Ted Villaire | October 18, 2017

Mayor Emanuel’s proposal to raise fees on Uber and Lyft rides to pay for public transit upgrades is good news for everyone who cares about preserving healthy, sustainable and equitable transportation options across Chicago. The mayor introduced the potential increase in his budget address this week. If approved by Chicago City Council, 15 cents will be added to the current […]

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