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

Help improve walking, biking, and rolling in Illinois

By Maggie Melin Czerwinski | August 7, 2023

This year the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has launched a new initiative to create a roadmap for a safe, connected pedestrian and bicycle network across the state. The Walk Roll Illinois Active Transportation Plan initiative is an update to the state’s 2014 Bike Plan, which will now include all active transportation modes. IDOT seeks to understand existing conditions, identify […]

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CTA takes a step toward greater transparency  

By David Powe | August 7, 2023

We commend CTA’s recent initiatives to improve service and elevate transparency with the launch of an even more robust interactive performance dashboard, as part of its “Meeting the Moment” plan.   This forward-thinking initiative responds to the calls from riders and advocates for more transparency and reliable service.   As a part of its Meeting the Moment plan, CTA’s performance metrics report […]

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A quick rundown of sustainable transportation projects in Chicago

By Active Transportation Alliance | July 28, 2023

Active Transportation Alliance recently invited local advocates to gather for the latest news and updates about projects impacting sustainable transportation in the region. Kicking off the discussion was an update on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transition transportation subcommittee. Active Transportation Alliance, which served on the subcommittee, was pleased that priorities like restricting right turns on red lights and limiting commercial traffic […]

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Chicago’s landmark ETOD ordinance marks one-year anniversary

By Maya Norris | July 27, 2023

Chicago is about to get an influx of affordable housing and businesses around mass transit over the next few years with help from the Connected Communities ordinance, which marks its one-year anniversary this month. Elevated Chicago joined forces with Chicago Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara to successfully push for passage of this sweeping legislation that addresses racial inequity by catalyzing economic […]

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Chicago’s bike network comes up short in national ranking 

By Jim Merrell | July 19, 2023

People for Bikes recently released the 2023 City Rankings, and once again Chicago ranked near the bottom of the list of bike-friendly big cities in the US, a dismal 161 out of 163 cities evaluated.   This echoes a similar result from a previous edition of the ranking.  Chicago fared so poorly because our city is at the bottom of […]

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Improvements coming for the Des Plaines River Trail

By Active Transportation Alliance | July 14, 2023

The Des Plaines River Trail is one of the most significant trails in Chicagoland because of how it connects communities from the Wisconsin border all the way to the near-west suburbs of Brookfield and Forest Park. In Cook County, the Des Plaines River Trail has the potential to connect key destinations such as the Illinois Prairie Path, the Salt Creek […]

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Mayor Johnson’s transition report includes strong vision for walking, biking, and transit 

By Jim Merrell | July 12, 2023

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has an unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of Chicagoans by expanding access to healthy, sustainable, and equitable transportation options. Thoughtful, community-led policies, plans, and projects that make walking, biking, and public transit safer and easier can bring transformational impact to communities across the city. During the 2023 municipal election cycle, Active Trans worked with dozens […]

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Bike the Drive: A beginner’s guide

By Active Transportation Alliance | June 23, 2023

Cruising down DuSable Lakeshore Drive on a bicycle with thousands of other riders in Bike the Drive is an event that many people look forward to every year. It’s an unforgettable experience that offers a unique view of the city and the lake shore. One of the great features of the event is that it welcomes riders of any skill […]

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Riding in unity to honor our walking and biking fatalities

By Ted Villaire | May 18, 2023

On Wednesday, May 17, people gathered for an annual bicycle ride to honor those who were injured or killed while biking or walking in the past year. About 100 people participated in the Ride of Silence in Chicago, and throughout Illinois, there were about 40 different Ride of Silence events. The event calls attention to the right of people to […]

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Bill for safer intersections clears the IL Senate and House

By Ted Villaire | May 11, 2023

A bill that would give local communities the ability to build intersections that are safer for people walking and biking passed out of the Illinois Senate and House and now heads to the governor’s desk. The bill was approved by the Illinois House by a vote of 87-25 on May 11. Thank you to everyone who responded to our action […]

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