Category Archives: Blog

Improvements coming for the Des Plaines River Trail

Jul 14, 2023 | by Olivia Borowiak

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 Trail, the Medical District, the CTA Blue Line, and the Brookfield Zoo. There are a number of exciting trail improvements underway, some of which will make the path usable for more of the year by rerouting it away from flood-prone areas. Other improvements will make it safer to reach the trail from key points in nearby communities, such as the...

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

Jul 12, 2023 | by Jim Merrell

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 of civic and community partners to develop a shared vision for transportation equity in Chicago. The Safe Streets for All – Transit that Works platform reflects conversations and listening sessions with dozens of residents from all walks of life, including seniors, young people, expectant mothers, and other populations poorly served by the current transportation system. You can learn more about...

Tags: Advocacy, Bicycling, Transit Equity, Walking

Fifth Third Bike the Drive: A beginner’s guide

Jun 23, 2023 | by Olivia Borowiak

Cruising down DuSable Lakeshore Drive on a bicycle with thousands of other riders in Fifth Third 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 lakeshore. One of the great features of the event is that it welcomes riders of any skill level from beginner to elite. In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, it’s important to prepare adequately. If you’re new to cycling or a just getting back on a bike, here are a few tips to help you have a great time. Before the Event Begin training well in advance to increase your confidence...

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Riding in unity to honor our walking and biking fatalities

May 18, 2023 | by Ted Villaire

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 bike and walk on public roadways and the urgent need for infrastructure that will make these transportation options safer and more welcoming for people of all ages and abilities. “We want the community to remember and honor the vulnerable road users who tragically died while biking or walking,” said Chicago Ride of Silence organizer Elizabeth Adamczyk. “Together, we mourn, we...

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Bill for safer intersections clears the IL Senate and House

May 11, 2023 | by Ted Villaire

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 alerts to advance SB 2278! Currently, local communities are required to build intersections that will accommodate the turning of a 65-foot truck, which means there’s no space left for people-friendly design features at the intersection. It's no secret that we have far too many oversized intersections that act as a barrier -- and a danger -- for people getting around...

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Awardees take the spotlight at the Movers & Shakers Ball

May 4, 2023 | by Ted Villaire

Our recent Movers and Shakers Ball was a wonderful evening filled with good food, great company, lively music, and most importantly, a shared passion for active transportation. We were delighted to see so many of our members, supporters, and partners come together to celebrate the progress we have made over the past year and renew our commitment to promoting walking, biking, and public transportation in the Chicago area. The highlight of the evening was hearing from the awardees about all the exciting work they are doing. Here are some of their inspiring remarks: 47th Ward Chicago Alderman Matt Martin, Safe Streets Champion Award Despite having decent bike and pedestrian safety infrastructure where he lives in Lincoln Square, Ald. Matt...

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Interactive map allows people to flag dangerous walking and biking spots

Apr 21, 2023 | by Ted Villaire

Kudos to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for recent initiatives that take a step toward making our streets safer for people walking and biking. In an effort to identify locations that may be unsafe for people walking and biking, the agency has created an interactive map that allows people to flag dangerous spots and add notes. We’re hoping that this interactive map, called the Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment, will help IDOT make informed decisions about how to allocate resources to make our streets safer. The information submitted is particularly valuable during a time when crashes and fatalities that involve people walking and biking has been growing. To learn more about the initiative, you can watch the kick-off webinar...

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Walking and biking top Ald. Matt Martin’s agenda for the 47th Ward and beyond

Apr 18, 2023 | by Maya Norris

The 47th Ward in Chicago has made significant progress in advancing pedestrian and bicycling safety over the last few years, thanks to the proactive efforts of Alderman Matt Martin. And Martin says more is on the way as he continues to champion walking- and cycling-friendly infrastructure and policies that will benefit the constituents of his ward and beyond. His steadfast commitment to making walking and bicycling safer in Chicago has earned Martin Active Transportation Alliance’s Safe Streets Champion award, which he will receive at the nonprofit’s Movers and Shakers Ball on April 26. Martin, who previously worked as a civil rights attorney for the Illinois Attorney General’s office, has made walking and bicycling safety one of his top priorities since...

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Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson focuses on healthy transportation

Apr 4, 2023 | by Maya Norris

Mayor Katrina Thompson has been planting the seeds for sustainable transportation and active, healthy lifestyles in Broadview, Illinois, over the last three years. As the village improves its walking and biking infrastructure, her efforts clearly have taken root in this west suburban community as more of the people in the community take up walking and cycling. Because of these successes, Thompson will be receiving the Public Leadership Award from Active Transportation Alliance at the Movers & Shakers Ball to be held at the Chicago History Museum on April 26. Thompson wants to shape Broadview into a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly destination to promote health, wellness, and safety for its residents as well as boost tourism and economic development in Broadview. The...

Tags: Bicycling, Walking, West Suburbs

A bus ride with 5th Ward alderperson candidate, Tina Hone

Mar 22, 2023 | by Courtney Cobbs

Safe Streets for All is a non-partisan campaign focused on engaging Chicago’s alderperson and mayoral candidates around significantly reducing traffic crashes, creating safe cycling and walking infrastructure, and improving public transportation in Chicago. As part of this campaign, we’ve been asking candidates to ride public transit with us and discuss these topics. I recently had the opportunity to take a bus ride with Tina Hone, candidate for 5th Ward alderperson. The 5th Ward includes parts of Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore on Chicago’s South Side. Ald. Leslie Hairston served as 5th Ward alderperson since 1999 but decided not to run for reelection. Emerging from a field of 11 candidates, Tina Hone and Desmon Yancy were the top two...

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