Active Transportation Alliance

09/03/2026

Want to learn more about the Northern Illinois Transit Authority and the upcoming Chicago budget?
Check out or advocacy call yesterday where we covered that and more!

We heard from our Executive Director Amy Rynell on the transition t...

09/03/2026

"Food delivery robots have crashed into CTA bus shelters, fallen down train station stairs and, according to residents who have reported their experiences to city officials and neighborhood groups, blocked sidewalks, collided with cyclists and forced pedestrians to navigate around them."

Our sidewalks and streets belong to us. Not robots. We don't need these impeding our neighbors and causing accessibility issues.

A Lincoln Park resident’s video showing more than a dozen delivery robots clustered on Clark Street has drawn more than 300,000 views.

09/01/2026

Bike the Drive is almost here.

Take a few minutes to prepare now so you can enjoy every mile on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Before you ride, we have a few tips for a smoother and safer ride:

• Wear a helmet.
• Hydrate before and during the ride.
• Check your brakes and tire pressure.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Choose a distance and pace that feel right for you.

See you at Bike the Drive.

Learn more healthy tips: nm.org/healthbeat

09/01/2026

“NITA is a bold, once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the transit system northern Illinois deserves,” said Amy Rynell, Active Transportation Alliance Executive Director. “By uniting our region’s transit agencies around better service, easier connections and a shared commitment to riders, this legislation can make getting around simpler, faster and more reliable. It will help people reach work, school, medical appointments, family and all the places that matter — while setting our entire region on a stronger path forward.”

A new era for Chicagoland transit. 🚇✨

Beginning today, NITA is officially your regional transit agency, coordinating affordable, reliable, safe transit across the CTA, Metra, and Pace.

For riders, the transition to NITA will not bring a change in who operates your bus or train, and all ADA Paratransit Certification, Ride Free and Reduced Fare programs, and the Access Program for riders experiencing low incomes will continue under NITA.

Learn more about what this transition means in a press release: https://nita.illinois.gov/about-rta/press-releases/northern-illinois-transit-authority-begins-new-era-for-regional-transit.

You can also visit our new website at nita.illinois.gov. 📲

08/31/2026

America is car centric by design. For people of all ages, but young people especially, navigating life without a car can be quite the challenge. It can make simple things like going to the library or grocery store nearly impossible.
 
When we aren’t connected to our neighbors and community, our health and wellbeing suffer.
 
It’s time to demand better.

08/31/2026

"Whether this strategy pays off politically remains to be seen. A 2025 YouGov poll showed that 76 percent of Americans supported bike lanes in and around where they live, including 66 percent of Republicans"

The administration has revoked funding for bike paths, and encouraged removing some. A cycling advocate said it is playing on the idea of “that dork on a bike.”

08/31/2026

Ready to Ride? Bike the Drive is THIS Sunday!
Join thousands of cyclists for a one-of-a-kind ride along scenic Lakeshore Drive. The weather’s looking excellent, so don’t wait.

Register now at bikethedrive.org
Every registration supports better walking, biking, and transit across Chicagoland.

Ride. Register. Make a difference.

08/31/2026

Heading to Bike the Drive this year?
Skip the stress of traffic, construction, and pricey parking. Take the CTA instead! For just $5, you can ride to any of the five Bike the Drive entrances and back. Bikes can easily be placed on bike racks and are welcome on trains too!

Still need to register? 👉 bikethedrive.org

08/29/2026

The finish line just got even more refreshing. 🍺🚲
We’re thrilled that Clausthaler is the Title Sponsor of the Bike the Drive Beer Garden! After your ride, cool down with a Clausthaler IPA, an unfiltered German-style brew packed with crisp hop character, or try Clausthaler Grapefruit, a delicious blend of non-alcoholic lager and real grapefruit juice.
Great rides deserve great rewards. See you at Buter Field in the Beer Garden! 🙌

08/29/2026

Celebrate Social Security at Bike the Drive!

Join AARP Illinois at the 25th Annual Bike the Drive on September 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Butler Field. Stop by their tent to share why Social Security matters to you and your family. As a thank you, you'll receive bike lights and other AARP giveaways while supplies last.

Connect with fellow riders, enjoy one of Chicago's most iconic cycling events, and celebrate the importance of Social Security for millions of Americans.