Blog

Elon Musk is not Chicago’s transit savior

Jun 15, 2018 | by Kyle Whitehead

Before city leaders go any further in negotiations with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to build and operate express transit service from O’Hare to downtown, they should revisit who the project benefits and if the public-private partnership will slow progress on the region’s more pressing transit needs.

Musk’s proposed Chicago Express Loop would transport passengers between O’Hare and Block 37 in downtown Chicago in 12 minutes or less using “autonomous electric skates” traveling at 125-150 miles per hour.

Crowdsourcing for safer bike lanes

Jun 13, 2018 | by Maya Norris

The new bicycling infrastructure taking root in Chicago has done much for the city’s reputation as a great place for biking. Building on that reputation is getting named by Bicycling magazine as the best US city for bicycling in 2016. But there is a major problem that has been cutting into this status — and it’s not a minor issue: drivers parking in bike lanes. This widespread phenomenon is not only inconvenient, it’s dangerous.

Celebrate Lakefront Trail improvements with us

Jun 8, 2018 | by Active Trans

For more than 30 years, Active Trans has been working to make the Lakefront Trail safer and easier to use. In the past year or so, parts of the trail have taken a quantum leap forward in terms of safety and comfort. But as you probably know, work still needs to be done.

Join us on June 28 at Theater on the Lake as we celebrate the newly separated trails for people on foot and on bikes.

UIC public health students advance Weber Spur Trail

Jun 6, 2018 | by Steve Simmons

Because urban trails encourage more people to bike, walk and run, they happen to be one of the best tools we have to improve public health.

This desire to help people improve their health is in part what fuels our work to advance a continuous Chicago River Trail.

For the past year, we’ve been working closely with one of our partners, public health students at the University of Illinois-Chicago (pictured),

Biking & walking safety education bill on home stretch

May 31, 2018 | by Active Trans

Every day in Illinois, an average of 5 kids are hit by drivers of motor vehicles within one block of a school, and more are hit beyond the school zones.

A bill that would help address this tragic daily occurrence while encouraging more walking and biking has passed the Illinois Senate and now heads to Governor Bruce Rauner for approval.

The Bike Walk Education in Schools Act (HB4799) requires K-8 schools to provide biking and walking safety education.

June events on the Lakefront Trail

May 31, 2018 | by Active Trans

The Active Transportation Alliance compiles a list of events happening each month along the Lakefront Trail. See what’s going on in the month of June so you can better plan your walking, biking or running route. This month will be busy!

For regular updates about the Lakefront Trail, follow our Lakefront Trail Twitter page and the #chiLFT hashtag.

NOTE: For updates on the Lakefront Trail separation construction, visit the Chicago Park District’s page.

Take our survey to improve walking & biking on Logan Blvd.

May 29, 2018 | by Steve Simmons

Did you know that 17 of the Chicago River’s 27 miles will have trails by the end of 2018?

With trails taking shape as quickly as they are, it’s urgent we push for improvements that create safe walking and biking options for accessing the river.

One area where we’re working on better access to the Chicago River Trail is on Logan Blvd. from Rockwell Ave. to Lathrop Homes.

If you’ve ever biked or walked along this stretch,

May events on the Lakefront Trail

May 4, 2018 | by Active Trans

The Active Transportation Alliance compiles a list of events happening each month along the Lakefront Trail. See what’s going on in the month of May so you can better plan your walking, biking or running route. This month will be busy!

For regular updates about the Lakefront Trail, follow our Lakefront Trail Twitter page and the #chiLFT hashtag.

NOTE: For updates on the Lakefront Trail separation construction, visit the Chicago Park District’s page.

Have fun. Enjoy the ride.

Apr 30, 2018 | by Active Trans

Chicago’s biggest cycling event is back and better than ever for its seventeenth year!

This year, MB Bike the Drive will be held on Sunday, May 27. Enjoy nearly 5 hours of car-free riding on the city’s scenic Lake Shore Drive, which will be closed to all auto traffic for the event. A post-ride festival including live music, giveaways and breakfast (pancakes, anyone?) will take place from 8 a.m. to Noon in Butler Field.

Small group rides offered this summer

Apr 30, 2018 | by Active Trans

Do you love scenic bike rides but wish you could stop to learn more about the hidden gems Chicagoland has to offer?

New for summer 2018, Active Trans brings you Pedal Chicagoland, our small group ride series!

We will take you through some of Chicagoland’s most treasured spots via bike at a casual, no-drop pace.

These one-of-a-kind experiences are open to cyclists of all skill levels. Check out the available group rides below:

Visit some of Chicago’s most interesting and spectacular water fountains

Date: Sunday August 5,