Did You Know?
Support funding for walking and biking projects in low-income communities
Last year, Active Trans and hundreds of supporters made our voices heard to ensure that dedicated funding for walking and biking projects would be included in the state’s capital bill.
As a result, for the first time ever, Illinois’ long-term capital plan includes dedicated funding for walking and bicycling projects.
Now we need your help to make sure the program is successful.
As the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) began moving ahead with the program, it’s become evident that the current language of the legislation lacks clarity on two key points.
1. How often IDOT should set aside the $50 million in new state funds for the walking and biking grant program.
- What we want: Every year — not every other year.
2. How to define “high-need” communities.
- What we want: Sliding scale based on community size, median income, and percentage of population living below the federal poverty line.
Read more about the bill in our fact sheet for legislators.
Lawmakers introduced bills in the Illinois House and Senate to clarify these points and make it easier for low-income, high-need communities to access the new funding.
Will you help with the effort to clarify this legislation, and ensure that this funding provides the most benefit to low-income communities?
Tell your state representative and state senator you support these updates.
Make a Donation
Your tax-deductible donation supports the important work that Active Trans does throughout the region