Blog

The needless harm done by shutting down public transit

Aug 13, 2020 | by Lynda Lopez

As I read tweets late Sunday night about the looting happening in the Loop amid the shooting of a young Black man by police, one of my first thoughts was resignation in thinking that transit would once again be shut down and the bridges once again raised.

I have seen social unrest in Chicago throughout my life here, but some of the infringements on movement I have seen taken by our city the last few months are some of the most troublesome I have ever witnessed.

Prioritizing equity in Divvy expansion, e-bike rollout 

Aug 6, 2020 | by Kyle Whitehead

As Chicago’s Divvy bike share system goes through two big changes this summer, leaders must make sure these transformative investments provide the greatest benefit to Black and Brown residents living in high-need communities.

In mid-July, city officials kicked off a multiyear expansion of the bike share system starting on the Far South Side with 66 new stations. The expansion — which will bring Divvy to every Chicago neighborhood by the end of 2021 — is taking place after years of community advocacy from residents who lacked access to bike share. 

What transit justice means to Ald. Martin and State Sen. Peters

Aug 3, 2020 | by Active Trans

The Active Trans Bus Organizing Fellows recently sat down with State Senator Robert Peters of the 13th District and 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin to talk about transit justice through times of a pandemic and a corresponding economic crisis.

Bus Organizing Fellows Rylen Clark and  Jamaine Alberto Gooding devised questions to ask the elected officials, and they posed questions that came from Chicago residents and audience members.

Mobility in the time of COVID-19 on Chicago’s North Side

Jul 31, 2020 | by Julia Gerasimenko

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of what we perceive and know about mobility and transportation.

In recent months, Active Trans met with more than 100 stakeholders who are invested in our work. We spoke with community partners, elected officials, department of transportation and transit agency officials, and residents across the city and suburbs.

As part of this process, we held a series of small-group conversations and solo conversations with stakeholders and elected officials on the city’s North Side. 

State reverses decision to eliminate bus lanes as option for North LSD

Jul 31, 2020 | by Kyle Whitehead

Bus lanes are back on the table for the reconstruction of North Lake Shore Drive, but more work needs to be done to make sure they’re part of the final design. 

This week state and local officials said they’ll carry forward the 3+1 bus only lane option to the next stage of the planning process. The transit-friendly design had been eliminated in June, despite opposition from the Chicago Transit Authority.

Active Trans and other advocates came out strongly against the decision. 

Illinois Bike Summit to focus on infrastructure, education, and inclusion

Jul 29, 2020 | by Active Trans

Local advocates, transportation planners, engineers, and anyone interested in making biking for recreation and transportation better on their block or in their community are invited to attend the Illinois Bike Summit on Tuesday, September 15.

This online event is organized by Ride Illinois — the statewide, nonprofit, bike advocacy organization. The summit’s keynote speaker will be Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists.

Transportation issues on the city’s Southwest Side during COVID-19

Jul 28, 2020 | by Lynda Lopez

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of what we perceive and know about mobility and transportation.

In recent months, Active Trans met with more than 100 stakeholders who are invested in our work. We spoke with community partners, elected officials, department of transportation and transit agency officials, and residents across the city and suburbs.

As part of this process, we held a series of small-group conversations and solo conversations with stakeholders and two elected officials on the city’s Southwest Side.

Chicago prepares second e-scooter pilot

Jul 27, 2020 | by Kyle Whitehead

The scooters are coming. Again. 

Officials say four companies responded to the city’s request for applications for a second e-scooter sharing pilot this summer. Chicago selected Bird, Lime, and Spin to participate in this year’s program, which launches August 12.

The terms reflect many of the recommendations from Active Trans’ E-Scooter Policy Report, which was released following the 2019 pilot. 

• The companies can operate a combined 10,000 scooters in a geographic area that includes most of the city. 

Active Trans member reaches big biking goal

Jul 27, 2020 | by Active Trans

A tip of the golden bike helmet goes to Active Trans member Jon Gottlieb for crossing the 100,000-mile finish line.

Although many people treasure the Lakefront Trail as an urban retreat, as far as we know there’s only one Chicagoan who has ridden 100,000 miles over 44 years with 90 percent of that being accomplished on the trail.

Gottlieb was very close to completing his 100,000-mile goal when the Lakefront Trail was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bus Fellows deliver budget request to City Council

Jul 23, 2020 | by Julia Gerasimenko

Active Trans’ Bus Organizing Fellows, Rylen Clark and Jamaine Alberto Gooding, submitted comments to July’s Chicago City Council meeting. Jamaine was selected to provide oral comments before the full council while both Jamaine and Rylen submitted written comments.

You can read Jamaine’s comments in full here and Rylen’s comments in full here. Below are excerpts from their testimonies:

To Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the members of Chicago City Council,