In the news 2021

Belmont Cragin youth victorious after two-year fight brings bike lanes to neighborhood (Chicago Sun-Times; September 8, 2021)
The Belmont Cragin Youth Leadership Council successfully advocated for much-needed bike lanes in this Northwest Side community as well as nearby Hermosa by collaborating with Active Trans and other advocacy groups.

Bike Lanes, Other Safety Fixes Coming To Logan Square Intersection Where Two Cyclists Were Killed (Block Club Chicago; September 2, 2021)
After several crashes — including the deaths of two cyclists — and near-crashes at Logan Boulevard and Western Avenue, the Chicago Department of Transportation is finally making safety improvements to the notoriously dangerous intersection. In 2018, Active Trans identified the intersection as a high-crash area and urged the city to install protective bike lanes and other safety measures.

At bikeway rally, Kevin Clark’s cousin urged advocates to keep pressure up for safety upgrades (Streetsblog Chicago; June 30, 2021)
Active Trans kicked off Chicago Bike Week by holding a rally for more protected bike lanes in the city. Speakers included Matt Portman, the cousin of actor Kevin Clark, who was fatally struck on his bike at Logan Boulevard and Western Avenue in Logan Square, an intersection that has posed a danger to cyclists for years.

What Democrats and Republicans Want When They Talk About Infrastructure (NPR; June 24, 2021)
President Joe Biden’s infrastructure spending package is crucial to funding sustainable transportation projects that address climate change and inequity, according to Executive Director Amy Rynell.

Examining the E-scooter Data of Chicago’s 2020 Program (WTTW; June 15, 2021)
Advocacy Manager Alex Perez analyzes the Chicago Department of Transportation report on the city’s 2020 e-scooter program. The report found that residents used scooters as a cheaper and efficient way to get around the city in lieu of driving cars or using ride-hailing services, while the program also helped to improve transit equity overall.

Family, Friends Honor ‘School of Rock’ Musician Kevin Clark with Loud Farewell — and Promise to Fight for Bike Safety on Western Avenue (Block Club Chicago; June 14, 2021)
Jim Merrell, managing director of advocacy, attended the memorial for actor Kevin Clark, who was fatally struck as he biked through the intersection of Logan Boulevard and Western Avenue. Merrell called for protected bike lanes and traffic-calming measures at the notoriously dangerous intersection and surrounding areas.

Long-Awaited Improvements to Des Plaines River Trail Will Make Connections to Northwest Side and Lake County More Accessible (Block Club Chicago; June 10, 2021)
Active Trans is advocating for improvements to the Des Plaines River Trail, including better safety for cyclists and pedestrians, connectivity to other trails, and increased accessibility to the trail with upgrades and bridges.

Advocates: Lightfoot’s infrastructure plan may be more of the car-centric status quo (Streetsblog Chicago; April 27, 2021)
While Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Chicago Works capital plan offers an extraordinary opportunity to invest in smart infrastructure, it lacks the detail and focus necessary to advance a sustainable transportation network, according to Active Trans.

Active Transportation Alliance, transit officials discuss suburban transportation challenges (Streetsblog Chicago; March 30, 2021)
Active Trans hosted the Future of Suburban Transit Forum to delve into the challenges essential workers face in accessing public transit to get to jobs outside the city, a space that does not get much transit service.

ATA Transit Equity Day Forum focused on importance of transit access for economic recovery (Streetsblog Chicago; February 8, 2021)
Active Trans, Metropolitan Planning Council, and Chicago Jobs with Justice held their first Transit Equity Day event, exploring how to create a reliable and affordable public transportation system.

Reimagining getting around (Chicago Tribune; January 18, 2021)
The significant reduction in car use during the pandemic prompted the city to repurpose some roads and parking areas into safe spaces for walking, biking, and public transit. Active Trans Executive Director Amy Rynell writes that 2021 is the year to capitalize on that momentum so that these small-scale projects turn into permanent features in every neighborhood.