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Did You Know?

While the Chicago region’s population grew by 18 percent since 1980, the traffic increased by 66 percent in the same period.

Virtual town hall: Advancing walking and biking projects during COVID-19

Nov 6, 2020 | by Active Trans

Join Active Transportation Alliance on Wednesday, November 11, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., for a virtual town hall with State Representative Theresa Mah (2nd District) and Alderman Andre Vasquez (40th Ward).

You can register for the free event today.

Rep. Mah and Ald. Vasquez will discuss how they have been working with residents in their districts to advance walking and biking projects during COVID-19. Also joining the conversation will be leaders from local community groups who are addressing these issues.

As with many other critical public systems, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the underlying inequities in Chicago’s transportation network. Structural racism and white supremacy have led to stark racial and economic segregation in the Chicago region.

Years of disinvestment mean the Black and Latinx communities hit hardest by COVID-19 in Chicago were already struggling with inadequate transportation options before the pandemic.

At the same time, the pandemic has reconnected residents across the region with the joys of walking and biking. But more walking and biking comes with a growing realization that most Chicago streets are not safe or comfortable for people on foot and bike. That’s why community leaders and elected officials across the region are calling for reprioritizing street space. 

Active Trans’ W. Robert Schultz III and Lynda Lopez will moderate the conversation. The event will have a sign language interpreter as well as closed captioning.