Resource bank

Have you wondered how to get pot holes fixed or have you evetn looked for safety tips on biking?

Active Transportation Alliance’s resource bank serves as a source for information you’re searching for about biking, walking and transit.

Learn how you can take action in your community through our advocacy resources such as our Menu Money Guide or our CDOT Street Project Lifecycle Process. Our toolkits serve as a guide to expand your knowledge on what services your community provides and build your skills.

Bicycling 

Cars in bike lanes
Bike lanes are a great way to provide safe space for biking on a street, and they've worked well at helping more people feel comfortable riding on Chicago's often busy streets. But many of us have experienced the fear and frustration caused by cars parking in the bike lane. If you notice a problem with parking in the bike lane and want to do something about it, here are a few steps you can take.

Everyday Biking & Bike Safety Tips
Riding a bike, like any physical activity, entails certain risks. By making smart choices about routes, equipment, and how you conduct yourself on the road, you can reduce those risks to a manageable level. 

What to do after a crash?
Crashes can be scary and disorienting. Whether you are a bicyclist or pedestrian, here are some important actions to take if you have been in one.

You Need a Bike Light
It's important to always remain visible when riding your bike, especially at night. Having front and rear lights on your bike is required by law and alerts people driving you are sharing the road with them, increasing not only your visibility, but safety as well. Learn more about the different kind of bike lights out there and which ones work best for you.

How Not to Get Your Bike Stolen Pt. 1 and (Pt. 2)
Bikes are a great investment and a source of transportation for many people, so it's vital to know how to lock your bike up securely. Here are a few tips how not to get your bike stolen. 

Street maintenance/local government

Chicago snow removal
Being a good neighbor means having good shoveling habits. Unshoveled snow serves as an obstacle for people using sidewalks — specifically people with disabilities, seniors and kids walking to school. Learn more about Chicago's Snow Removal Ordinance to ensure pathways are clear so everyone in your community can travel safely during winter.

What Are Complete Streets?
Complete Streets are designed to support all modes of transportation, providing a variety of travel choices for people who want them and better safety for those whose choices do not include driving an automobile. Learn more about this growing movement to make streets safer for everyone who walks, bikes, uses transit and drives.

How to Become a 311 Expert
311 is a service provided by the city of Chicago where residents can call to document problems and request city services. It's one of the best tools we have for improving our city. Here are a few simple tips on how to use 311.

Menu Money Request
Every year the City of Chicago allocates $1.32 million dollars in “menu money” to each alderman for use on capital improvements in his or her ward. This budget is a main source of funding for critical street improvements in many communities in Chicago. Learn about how menu money works and ways you can get involved to improve walking and biking in your neighborhood. 

CDOT Street Improvement Lifecycle Process
Everyone wants safe and accessible streets, but building them isn’t always easy. It’s important for leaders like you to speak up and inform elected officials that street safety is a priority in your community. Here’s a description of the lifecycle of large street improvement projects—such as streetscapes–in Chicago and how you can help ensure their success.

Transit 

Complete Station Assessment
Active Trans has developed a tool for assessing train stations in the Chicago region that takes a look at all aspects of the station and determines what’s needed to improve it.The Chicagoland Complete Station Evaluation form easily walks participants through a station while taking a close look at safety and accessibility as well as passenger amenities

Local advocacy

Starting a Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
Active Trans is working with a growing number of Chicago residents who are getting involved in their communities to encourage active transportation and help improve conditions for biking, walking and transit. You can make a difference in your own back yard by participating in a local group, or by starting one if there isn’t one in your neighborhood.

Walking

Organizing a Walk Audit
Unsafe streets keep many from walking and biking, cutting them off from the benefits of increased physical activity. A walk audit is a simple but effective way to find out what your neighborhood needs most. Here is a handy guide for how you can set up your own event in your community.