Chicago has always been a city of bold ideas — from the 1893 World’s Fair to the invention of the skyscraper.
This spirit of innovation extends to transportation, where Chicago has made a name for itself for more than a century.
When faced with the challenge of moving goods efficiently, Chicago responded by building the I&M Canal. A short time later it achieved its status as the railroad hub of America.
The city paved the way in urban transit with the nation’s first horse-drawn streetcars and the largest U.S. cable car network.
As we confront new challenges, Chicago must once again look toward groundbreaking transportation solutions.
Will we continue to rely on modes of transportation that are costly, polluting, and frequently dangerous? Or will we embrace ideas that make mobility more affordable, equitable, and sustainable?
At this year’s Movers & Shakers Ball on May 2, the Active Transportation Alliance will unveil the exhibition: Sustainable Transportation in the Chicago of Tomorrow.
In celebration of our 40 years of working for better walking, biking, and transit, this event will showcase ambitious proposals that reimagine how our city moves — proposals that are bold, innovative, and unmistakably Chicago.
The exhibition will feature groundbreaking concepts from local architects, planners, engineers, and designers. These ideas prove that sustainability can be both practical and visionary.
Imagine Chicago’s alleyways transformed into vibrant spaces. Or how about a street network designed for rickshaws to solve first-and-last-mile transit issues? Dive into exhibits exploring regional rail, using transportation to heal communities, and breathing new life into Chicago’s historic boulevard system.
One exhibit rethinks a CTA transit station to address the unique mobility challenges women face. Another envisions the Chicago River as a vital transit artery with kayak-sharing programs and water taxis seamlessly integrated with CTA trains and Divvy bikes.
Inspired by Barcelona’s superblocks model, another concept imagines car-free districts where walking, biking, and micro-mobility take center stage — reducing emissions while reclaiming space for people.
As we mark four decades of working for better mobility in Chicagoland and beyond, this exhibition promises to inspire and energize attendees with its bold vision for a sustainable future. Join us on May 2 to explore these transformative ideas and see how Chicago can once again lead the way in transportation innovation.
Here’s an overview of the exhibits.
AshLink: Ashland Avenue Corridor Improvements
Christopher B. Burke Engineering
Picture Ashland Avenue with an elevated train soaring above protected bike lanes and lively sidewalks. This redesign cuts car traffic and brings people together with regular street celebrations like “Sundays on State” (see rendering above).
Chicago Riverpark
Ross Barney Architects and Active Transportation Alliance
Wacker Drive’s extra lanes becomes a new riverside bike path, opening up more space along the river for everyone. Cyclists get a direct, scenic route along Wacker to the lake.
CrossTowners: Unlocking Chicagoland with Regional Rail
Star:Line Chicago
A regional rail network knits together neighborhoods, suburbs, and downtown with fast, frequent trains. It’s a new ‘L’ line for the whole region — without the price tag of building from scratch.
Let’s Roll: Rickshaws as a Sustainable First- and Last-Mile Mode
MUSE Community + Design
Rickshaws (aka pedicabs) and car-free streets transform an underutilized CTA station into a bustling mobility hub. Maps and comics show how shared streets could make city travel easier and more fun.
Old Plank Road Trail Extension: The Integration of Rails-Trails & Nature-Based Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Civiltech Engineering
Abandoned rail lines become trails, linking suburbs and sparking local renewal. This project turns forgotten infrastructure into spaces for recreation and connection.
The Park & Boulevard Bicentennial (2069)
PORT Architecture & Urbanism
Chicago’s boulevards are reimagined as a green transportation backbone, powering neighborhoods with renewable energy. The vision blends history, clean transportation, and climate resilience for the city’s future.
Roosevelt Valley: Transportation as Reparative Urbanism
UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
Transit and walkable streets are used to heal and reconnect the Roosevelt Valley neighborhood. The exhibit shows how mobility justice can reclaim spaces for the community.
Superblocks: A Pilot for Safer and More Livable Neighborhoods
Stanley Consultants, Inc.
The superblock concept aims to transform a neighborhood by restricting through-traffic while maintaining access for local vehicles to businesses and residences. Featuring real-world examples and a proposed pilot block in Chicago, it demonstrates how superblocks can reduce pedestrian and cyclist conflicts, enhance urban livability, and reimagine public spaces.
Take Me to the River
MKSK Studios
Imagine the Chicago River as a vital link in the urban transportation network with options like water taxis and kayak-sharing. Mobility hubs along the river connect water, trail, and CTA travel.
Through Lines: An Exploration of Connections via Chicago’s Alleyways
Smith Group
Chicago’s alleyways are reimagined as safe, inviting paths for walking and biking. Models and immersive images reveal how these overlooked spaces could transform city life.
[Wo]man-made City: Gender Equitable Mobility at Howard Station
MKSK Studios
The CTA’s Howard ‘L’ Station is redesigned with women’s safety and comfort in mind. The exhibit offers a blueprint for making active transportation work for everyone.
Our region’s transportation system is calling for bold, fresh ideas. From the river to the rails, from the alleys to the boulevards, how can we reimagine mobility to create a more sustainable and equitable future?
Join us at the Movers & Shakers Ball on May 2 as we celebrate the Active Transportation Alliance’s 40th anniversary. Help shape Chicago’s next chapter in transportation innovation.