Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Contact:
Ethan Spotts
Mobile 312.919.1423
Office 312.427.3325 x 287
ethan@activetrans.org

Active Trans applauds Emanuel’s transportation appointments

The Active Transportation Alliance is pleased with Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel’s choice of Gabe Klein as the new Chicago Department of Transportation commissioner.

While serving as the Director of the District Department of Transportation under Mayor Adrian Fenty in Washington D.C., Klein successfully pursued cost-effective transportation strategies like a bike sharing program, protected bike lanes, and the expansion of circulator bus lines and pedestrian safety initiatives. This balanced approach for increasing mobility for all users made Washington D.C. a transportation leader.

“Klein has the ability to find money for big infrastructure projects,” said Ron Burke, executive director for the Active Transportation Alliance. “Chicago needs innovative funding solutions for biking, walking and transit projects.

Active Trans expects Klein to bring a fresh perspective to CDOT through his experience as a businessman and entrepreneur in the transportation sector.

The 2009 American Community Survey shows that one third of all commutes in Chicago are by biking, walking and transit. Active Trans believes this is a good start, but Chicago must do better. “Now more than ever, it’s important for Chicagoans get around by biking, walking and using transit,” said Burke. “It’s good for public health, good for the economy and the good for the environment.”

Active Trans also applauds Emanuel’s extension of Terry Peterson’s tenure as chairman of the Chicago Transit Board and Emanuel’s appointment of Forrest Claypool as CTA president.

Active Trans is impressed with Peterson’s track record fighting for increases in state and federal funding for needed CTA projects. Peterson’s background matches well with Claypool’s experience managing government organizations and making them run more efficiently.

“We’re excited to have all these high quality appointments happen simultaneously,” said Burke. “This is a time when CTA and CDOT need to work together so Chicago can become an international leader in transportation that is safe and affordable for everyone.”

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is North America’s largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

###