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Winter biking tips to keep you pedaling in the cold and snow

Dec 23, 2021 | by Active Trans

Braving the Chicago winter on a bicycle may seem like a daunting prospect. But there’s no need to hang up your bike when the cold weather arrives. With proper preparation, some extra gear, and the right attitude, you can navigate the city’s streets on two wheels like a seasoned winter rider. Here are some tips and tricks for a safe, enjoyable winter biking experience. WHAT TO WEAR Many cyclists often wonder what clothing to wear when biking in the winter. Riding in cold weather is all about layering. A three-layer approach provides the flexibility, warmth, and comfort you need. It allows you to trap body heat between multiple layers while also letting you add or remove layers to adjust...

Tags: Bicycling

Top 10 walking, biking, and transit stories of 2021

Dec 16, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

In year two of the coronavirus pandemic, Chicago area residents continued to adapt to a changing world and adjusted their transportation habits and expectations for this new reality. Through it all, the Active Transportation Alliance worked with our community partners and legislative allies to fight for more residents to have access to safe, convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation options. Here’s a look back at 10 of the most important walking, biking, and transit stories and advocacy victories of the year. 1. FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE BILL DELIVERS BILLIONS TO CHICAGO AREA In November President Biden signed into law a historic national infrastructure bill that includes unprecedented levels of funding for public transit, walking, and biking. While the bill was being developed, Active Trans and...

Tags: Advocacy, Bicycling, biking, covid-19, legislation, public transit, transit, Transit Equity, Walking

New law paves the way for more walking and cycling infrastructure

Dec 14, 2021 | by Maya Norris

Earlier this year, Illinois State Rep. Bob Morgan helped usher in new legislation that will allow more communities to build walking and biking infrastructure in the Chicago region. The bill that Rep. Morgan co-sponsored — HB 2950 — allows the state and collar counties to spend gas tax funds on walking and bicycling infrastructure like sidewalks and bike lanes. Before this bill, gas tax revenue only went toward new roads. Active Trans worked with Rep. Morgan, as well as other legislators and various county agencies, to score this legislative win. Active Trans testified before House and Senate committees and organized advocates to file witness slips before key votes. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the bill in late summer. Rep. Morgan represents...

Tags: Bicycling, North Suburbs, Walking

Chicago must advance equity and sustainability with new federal transportation funds

Nov 22, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The Infrastructure Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) provides a historic opportunity for the Chicago area to move beyond car-centric planning and advance racial and environmental justice through transportation investments. Now we need to make sure regional leaders take advantage of this opportunity. We can’t afford to see these funds go to wasteful roadway projects that only worsen the inequity in our regional transportation system. This week Active Trans joined a coalition of 12 civic and environmental advocates that is calling for our transportation agencies in the region to develop an inclusive and transparent approach in determining which projects to put forward for newly available federal funds. This inclusive and transparent approach should center the projects' impacts on racial equity and climate change. Following are excerpts from the letter, which was...

Tags: Advocacy, Bicycling, biking, Bus, Chicago, legislation, public transit, transit, Transit Equity

Ald. La Spata makes sustainable transportation a priority

Oct 28, 2021 | by Maya Norris

As alderman for Chicago’s 1st Ward, Daniel La Spata has only been on the job for two years. But in that short time, he has already made significant strides enhancing sustainable transportation on the Northwest Side. The longtime community organizer and public policy expert has been pushing for infrastructure and legislation that improves walking, bicycling, and public transit opportunities that not only create safe and accessible sustainable transportation options, but also ultimately enhance the quality of life in the communities he represents. “Non-automobile transportation needs to be safe, effective, sustainable, affordable, and comfortable. The problem is we neither have the infrastructure nor do we tend to make the investments to make that a priority,” La Spata says. “That’s a big...

Tags: Bicycling, Chicago North Side, transit

Suburban advocates demand better walking and biking infrastructure

Oct 25, 2021 | by Maggie Melin Czerwinski

The fight for safer streets for people walking and biking in Chicago’s suburbs has gained strength during the pandemic. Groups and individuals have been organizing local bike rides and walks, creating petitions to improve traffic safety, launching new websites, forming as non-profits, and building support from elected officials to invest in walking and biking infrastructure. To recognize their dedication and to help support their ongoing work, Active Trans awarded small stipends to a handful of advocacy groups and communities. Learn more below about how each group is making our region a better place to walk, bike, and live. There's also information about how you can get involved. ACTIVE TRANS SUBURBAN ADVOCACY 2021 AWARDEES Bike Walk Oak Park is working on...

Tags: Bicycling, North Suburbs, South Suburbs, Walking, West Suburbs

Chicago needs more safe places to ride bikes and scooters on city streets

Oct 13, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

Update (10/14/21): Chicago City Council passed the e-scooter ordinance. The program is expected to launch in Spring 2022. As Chicago City Council considers an ordinance establishing a long-term e-scooter sharing program, Active Transportation Alliance submitted a letter in support of the ordinance to the Transportation and Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committees. Following are excerpts from the letter: Active Transportation Alliance supports a long-term e-scooter sharing program for Chicago because it would give people another option to get around other than driving or hailing a car. This program should complement – not compete with – the city’s publicly owned, thriving and expanding Divvy bikeshare system. As neighborhood air quality gets worse and we continue to experience the heightened effects of climate change, Chicago officials must invest in a safer, healthier,...

Tags: Advocacy, Bicycling, biking, Chicago, E-scooters

Action alert: Help save the e-bike benefit in Congressional budget bill

Sep 23, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The U.S. Senate is currently deciding what stays and what gets dropped from the budget bill, and unfortunately, some important biking provisions are on the chopping block. We need your help to make sure our Senators fight to keep these critical bike components in the bill. Specifically, the latest draft includes a tax rebate for e-bikes and a bicycle commuter benefit. Both elements would help enable more people to replace car trips with bike trips and reduce our overall carbon footprint. They will also help make biking more accessible, affordable, and attainable. In the U.S. House, the e-bike benefit was already weakened significantly relative to the rebate for electric cars. The House legislation includes credits of up to $12,500 for...

Tags: Advocacy, Bicycling, biking

A new trail to connect Lake Calumet area

Sep 14, 2021 | by Active Trans

Chicago’s Far South Side is an area rich in historical, cultural, and open space destinations. From Pullman National Monument to Big Marsh Park and the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, the area has no shortage of popular spots for Chicagoans to visit and enjoy. Unfortunately, a lack of safe walking and biking connections to these spots makes accessing them difficult for many residents who can’t or don’t drive. The geography, infrastructure, and heavy industry in the area present many significant obstacles, including large arterial roadways, active railroad lines, and waterways — all of which cut off many residents and visitors from easily and safely accessing these destinations and neighboring communities. The good news is that Active Trans has been working closely...

Tags: Bicycling, Chicago South Side, Walking

Protected bike lanes coming to Logan/Western area

Sep 2, 2021 | by Kyle Whitehead

The area where Kevin Clark and Tyler Fabeck were tragically killed while riding their bikes in recent years is slated to finally receive long overdue safety upgrades. Active Trans worked with Kevin Clark's family and 1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata to push for improvements at the intersection of W. Logan Blvd. and N. Western Ave. after 32-year-old Kevin was hit and killed while riding his bike through the intersection in May. Kevin was a drummer and music educator well known for his role in the 2003 School of Rock film, starring Jack Black. IMPROVEMENTS COMING THIS FALL The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will install protected bike lanes on Logan in both directions between N. Campbell and W. Diversey....

Tags: Advocacy, Bicycling, biking, Chicago, zero vision

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