Blog

Keep up with the latest news
on Active Trans and topics that
we care about in the region.

South Side trail updates and improvements

By Ted Villaire | September 14, 2023

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 […]

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Long-awaited Red Line Extension moves closer to reality

By David Powe | September 14, 2023

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 […]

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Explore the Heritage Corridor this fall with Metra

By Ted Villaire | September 12, 2023

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 […]

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Plow the Sidewalks pilot program takes a step forward

By Ted Villaire | September 6, 2023

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 […]

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Fare program helps commuters save on public transit costs

By Maya Norris | August 31, 2023

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 […]

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The unsung heroes who are making the region better for biking

By Active Transportation Alliance | August 11, 2023

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 […]

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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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