Blog

On Earth Day 2021, we are calling for a historic investment in transit

Apr 22, 2021 | by Julia Gerasimenko

On Earth Day 2021, we joined 23 local organizations to deliver a letter to the Illinois Congressional delegation to push for a historic investment in public transit in the United States.

Dozens of national and local organizations will be delivering similar letters to their local congressional delegations as well as part of the National Campaign for Transit Justice. See below for full text of the letter.

Frequent and reliable public transit is critical to reducing reliance on carbon-emitting cars and trucks,

Transportation advocate brings diverse, overlooked voices to the table

Apr 16, 2021 | by Maya Norris

Sustainable transportation advocacy is typically made up of the usual suspects: policy wonks, urban planners, legislators, and other experts in the field exploring the best ways to improve walking, biking, and public transit. But Romina Castillo wants to make room at the table for other perspectives.

As a transportation advocate and planner, Castillo brings together transportation professionals with community residents, local leaders, and other nontraditional stakeholders to create a culture of partnership and inclusivity that leads to sustainable transportation infrastructure,

Suburban Chicagoland transit leaders prepare to change 

Apr 16, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The heads of Metra commuter rail and Pace Suburban Bus agree the pandemic has changed suburban transit forever.  

Now they’re preparing to adapt how they deliver service to the meet the new reality. 

Metra CEO Jim Derwinski and Pace Executive Director Rocky Donahue spoke with Active Trans Executive Director Amy Rynell in our Transit Justice Forum on the Future of Suburban Transit. Leanne Redden, head of the Regional Transportation Authority that oversees Metra and Pace,

Action alert: File a witness slip to make state roads safer for walking and biking

Apr 9, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The Illinois Senate is advancing Active Trans’ bill to eliminate the local share of the costs for walking and biking infrastructure on state roads.

Now we need your help to make sure it passes out of committee.

Senate Bill 1768 is scheduled to be presented in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, April 13 at 3:30 p.m. Will you file a witness slip as a proponent before Tuesday’s hearing to show your support?

Give your advocacy skills a boost with these virtual workshops

Apr 5, 2021 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

Ever wondered about the best time for advocates to get involved in a new transportation project?

Or maybe you’ve been stumped about the most effective way to gather input about transportation projects from a wide range of people in your community?

These are just a couple of the thorny questions addressed in a series of workshops held during Active Trans’ Suburban Action Week.

The event, which included more than 35 speakers,

Get the latest on projects underway in your suburban community

Apr 2, 2021 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

Wondering about walking-, biking-, and transit-related projects currently underway in Chicagoland’s suburban communities?

Well, here’s your chance to find out what’s happening.

During our recent Suburban Action Week event, we heard directly from county staff in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.

Staff from county departments of transportation, councils of mayors, forest preserves, and other agencies shared overviews of current and upcoming walking, biking, and transit projects in each county.

Inspiration and guidance for advocates in suburban communities

Mar 30, 2021 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

If you’ve ever considered pursuing a walking, biking, or public transit improvement project in your suburban community, you’ll find this series of videos to be a treasure trove of information.

The Active Transportation Alliance recently hosted its first-ever virtual Suburban Action Week, featuring 25 short online talks and workshops with advocates, county staff, and community leaders throughout the region.

Ten of the sessions focus on successful suburban campaigns to improve walking,

Recognizing the people working for healthier, more equitable transportation

Mar 29, 2021 | by Ted Villaire

This year, Active Trans is celebrating 35 years of advocating for better transportation options in the region.

To commemorate this milestone, we recently gathered virtually with fellow supporters to socialize, have some fun, and look back at the important work accomplished over the years.

The main focus of the event, however, was recognizing local individuals who are dedicated to making our region and our world better places for walking, biking, and public transportation.

Action alert: More senators needed to co-sponsor bill to make state roads safer

Mar 26, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The Illinois House is advancing Active Trans’ bill to eliminate the local share of the costs for walking and biking infrastructure on state roads, but the state senate has yet to take action on it.

We need your help to make sure the senate takes action. One way to show broad support is to recruit more co-sponsors of the legislation.

Under current law, when the state of Illinois is rebuilding a road,

A local champion for transportation justice

Mar 24, 2021 | by Ted Villaire

Active Trans is thrilled to be recognizing US Representative Jesús García for our 35th Anniversary celebration.

Known to most people as “Chuy,” Rep. García is receiving Active Trans’ Public Leadership Award for his tireless efforts fighting for better public transportation, walking, and biking.

Having served as a Chicago alderman, a Cook County Board member, and a state senator, he now represents Illinois’ fourth district for the US House of Representatives,