Blog

Lakefront Trail users need protection from LSD traffic

Oct 24, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

As the Lakefront Trail separation project moves forward, it’s become clear the city should add guard rails to sections of the bike trail that run close to car traffic on Lake Shore Drive.

For the past several weeks we have heard from a handful of members and supporters concerned about the proximity of the newly separated trail and the busy lakefront highway. They noted some segments of the bike trail near 47th street are within several feet of cars travelling at 40 miles per hour or more.

Move prompts stroll down memory lane

Oct 20, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

After 12 years at 9 W. Hubbard, Active Trans is moving. Starting Monday, Oct. 23, our new outpost is on the 17th floor of 35 E. Wacker in downtown Chicago. 

Moving a 32-year-old nonprofit organization has been no easy task. Choosing what needs to be packed, what needs to be recycled and what needs to be donated — and boxing everything up has taken several weeks to complete. 

Raising ride-hailing fee to fund public transit makes sense

Oct 18, 2017 | by Active Trans

Mayor Emanuel’s proposal to raise fees on Uber and Lyft rides to pay for public transit upgrades is good news for everyone who cares about preserving healthy, sustainable and equitable transportation options across Chicago.

The mayor introduced the potential increase in his budget address this week. If approved by Chicago City Council, 15 cents will be added to the current 52 cents per ride city fee in 2018.

In 2019,

Pullman National Monument a catalyst for the far South Side

Oct 17, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

When it comes to national parks, bike lanes and bus stops can be just as important as hiking trails and hilltop lookouts.

With many of our national parks located in urban areas, improvements made to these park sites need to benefit local residents as well as park visitors. Chicago’s first national park, Pullman National Monument, tells unique stories of 19th century railroading and industry, urban planning and the labor movement,

Navy Pier Flyover shouldn’t be delayed any further

Oct 16, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

The final phase of one of the most anticipated biking and walking projects in the Chicago region will be delayed until 2019.

Mary Wisniewski of the Chicago Tribune reported this week that the Navy Pier Flyover – which will allow people biking and walking on the Lakefront Trail to bypass congestion around the popular tourist destination – will not be completed as scheduled in 2018.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) says the first two phases from Ohio Street Beach to the Lake Shore Drive Chicago River Bridge will be open to the public by the end of 2018.

312 RiverRun advances Chicago River Trail

Oct 5, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

Biking, walking and jogging enthusiasts enjoyed a big victory yesterday when the city announced a new trail, the 312 RiverRun, and broke ground on what will be the breathtaking Riverview Bridge (pictured).

The "3-1-2" RiverRun trail will connect three city parks via one bicycle and pedestrian path for two miles.

It'll be great for city residents to have safe and easy access to the green spaces of Clark,

October events on the Lakefront Trail

Oct 2, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

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 October so you can better plan your walking, biking or running route.

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

NOTE: The Lakefront Trail detour will be in effect in October between Fullerton Ave.

Chicago Critical Mass marks 20 years

Sep 28, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

When Chicago’s Critical Mass started 20 years ago, cycling in Chicago was a different experience. 

There were few bike lanes, not nearly as many riders and rare opportunities for riders to get together and meet. 

Active Trans, then known as the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, was 10 years old and knee-deep in the effort to bring more than 4,000 bike parking racks to Chicago. 

For those who haven’t experienced a Critical Mass ride,

River Edge Ideas Lab moves Chicago River Trail forward

Sep 26, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

Coming up with creative ways to add trail segments along highly developed areas and ensuring that neighborhood residents are involved in the process of planning new trails are top priorities of Active Trans' campaign for a continuous Chicago River Trail.

One area that presents opportunities and challenges is the 1.75-mile stretch from Lake Street in the Loop to the Amtrak vertical lift bridge in Chinatown.

That's why we're excited that River Edge Ideas Lab has opened —

Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council updates

Sep 25, 2017 | by Active Trans

Post image: 

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) chairs the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council (MBAC), which meets quarterly at city hall, and is open to the public for anyone to attend.

The meetings are a great way to stay informed about CDOT projects and hear about initiatives and improvements to infrastructure around the city. 

The meeting typically starts with sobering statistics of recent traffic fatalities and serious injuries of people biking in Chicago,