Blog

The role bikes play in creating a better world

Jul 2, 2020 | by Jim Merrell

Chicago Bike Week is when we celebrate the role bikes play in creating a better world.

Over the past few months, we’ve been reminded again and again how the issues of biking and mobility intersect with broader movements for social justice.

We must continue to prioritize the needs of communities most harmed by an unjust transportation landscape, Black and Brown people, poor people, and people with disabilities.

We must also do everything we can to dismantle the white supremacy and structural racism that creates walking,

Community bike shops keep cyclists rolling during the pandemic

Jul 2, 2020 | by Maya Norris

As more people turn to bicycling as a reliable mode of transportation for commuting and other trips during the COVID-19 pandemic, community bike shops are more vital than ever before.

These nonprofits not only provide affordable repairs and sell used bikes—critical services during the coronavirus crisis—but they also play an essential role in promoting how cycling helps create prosperous, healthy, and equitable communities.

Usually located in historically marginalized neighborhoods, community bike shops are anchors in their communities,

Mobility justice resources for Chicago Bike Week and beyond

Jun 29, 2020 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

During this year’s Chicago Bike Week and Bike Challenge, we have an additional challenge for you: Get informed! Bike Week is a perfect time to inform yourself about the role biking plays in mobility and racial justice.

How can we ensure that our streets and public spaces feel safe and are safe for everyone? How can we ensure that our advocacy efforts for better biking center the voices of Black and Brown people and those who have experienced violence on our streets?

During Chicago Bike Week, let’s recommit ourselves to safer streets

Jun 29, 2020 | by Jim Merrell

As we begin the annual celebration of Chicago Bike Week, we are faced with tragic reminders of how far our region still has to go before people of all ages and abilities are able to enjoy the benefits of biking.

Over the past several weeks, two teenagers have been killed and one adult seriously injured while biking in our region.

Each and every fatality and serious injury is preventable.

COVID-19 transportation listening tour

Jun 17, 2020 | by Lynda Lopez

In May 2020, Active Trans’ advocacy team embarked on a listening tour 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.

COVID-19 has impacted transportation and mobility in profound ways and these one-on-one and group conversations via Zoom were a way for our organization to have a more grounded understanding of the effects region-wide.

A bad decision for lakefront transit

Jun 13, 2020 | by Jim Merrell

State and local officials leading the North Lake Shore Drive reconstruction project have eliminated the best option for bringing a dedicated transit lane to a vital Chicago corridor.

We strongly oppose this decision and will work with our members, supporters, and partner organizations to reverse it.

The reconstruction effort is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable transportation along Chicago’s North Lakefront. In 2018, Active Trans lead a coalition of ten business and civic groups calling for dedicated space for transit.

How some transit agencies are keeping riders informed

Jun 5, 2020 | by Lynda Lopez

The coronavirus pandemic has presented unique challenges for transit agencies across the country.

As Chicago and other cities continue to shift into the next phases of reopening, transitioning public transit safely and effectively for riders and operators is a key part of that process. This includes presenting information transparently and consistently, creating user-friendly websites, and using innovative approaches to keeping in touch with riders.

The following are some communication strategies and tools that transit agencies across the country have used:

Clear information about covid-19 cases: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System website allows visitors to see the number of confirmed covid-19 cases of frontline employees and the corresponding routes they served.

Impacted by transit shutdown? Share your story

Jun 5, 2020 | by Julia Gerasimenko

Recently, transit service across the Chicago region was shut down in response to protests. This included buses, trains, Divvy bike sharing, and paratransit.

Active Transportation Alliance would like to hear your story about how the recent shutdown of CTA, Pace, Metra, paratransit, and Divvy bikes affected you.

These stories will help our advocacy efforts to ensure such drastic and harmful actions are not repeated in the future.

Take our survey now to share your story of how the transit shutdown impacted you!

More steps needed for safe, convenient bus service

Jun 3, 2020 | by Jamaine Gooding

Since March, the Active Trans Bus Organizing Fellows have been conducting online surveys with essential workers from historically marginalized communities who depend on public transit to get to their jobs. The survey examines the demographics of these workers, the condition of the buses, and the speed and reliability of the routes they take. This is one of a series of articles sharing the results of these surveys.

To keep COVID-19 from spreading among CTA passengers and staff,

The challenges of staying safe while using transit

Jun 2, 2020 | by Rylen Clark

Since March, the Active Trans Bus Organizing Fellows have been conducting online surveys with essential workers from historically marginalized communities who depend on public transit to get to their jobs. The survey examines the demographics of these workers, the condition of the buses, and the speed and reliability of the routes they take. This is one of a series of articles sharing the results of these surveys.

For people who must rely on transit during the COVID-19 crisis,