Frequently asked questions about the Active Transportation Alliance

What does the Active Transportation Alliance do?

We are a membership-based organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit safe, convenient and fun for everyone.

We’re a like a superhero that saves people from frustrating and dangerous traffic, helps to reduce the region’s carbon footprint and empowers individuals’ transportation choices.

What do you want to see happen?

We envision a region with 50 percent fewer crashes and one where 50 percent of all trips are made by walking, bicycling and transit.

Why did you change your name from the Chicagoland BicycleFederation?

We changed our name to reflect our expanded mission to improve walking, bicycling and transit in the region. As the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, our work already reflected this approach. We moved into the new areas of walking and transit to help broaden our voice, gain new allies in reaching our overall goals, and effectively win Complete Streets for all.

We can achieve even more bicycling wins by taking on this greater effort of transforming the transportation culture for everyone — motorists, transit riders, pedestrians and bicyclists.

What does this mean for members?

As a member of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, you are already a member of the Active Transportation Alliance. We will continue to work on projects and programs members support.

97% of our members support encouraging healthy and active transportation options through our work.

This expanded mission means expanded bicycle benefits (expanded newsletter, expanded mission, more discounts). It means being part of an even stronger base to transform out transportation culture and funding. A broader vision and a louder voice will help us win more funding for improving our streets and trail systems for everyone, including bicyclists.

Will members receive a new member card?

No need to get a new member card — your Chicagoland Bicycle Federation card is still good! You will get your brand new Active Transportation Alliance card when you renew your membership.

Why is the Active Transportation Alliance’s work important to me as a bicyclist?

If we want to see a more improvements for bicyclists — more bike lanes, appropriate consequences for drivers who endanger bicyclists — we must transform the overall transportation culture.

• The overall transportation system is in disrepair. It is under-funded; car dependence consumes entire communities. Congestion, distracted driving and speeding affects all of us.
• It isn’t safe to bike on many streets.
• Connections to our trail system also require adequate development and maintenance for those bicyclists who are recreational cyclists.

We are calling for a balanced transportation system that will have a significant impact on bicyclists. Working on this broader effort only helps us reach our goal of 50 percent fewer crashes in the region.

…as a pedestrian?

Pedestrians have not had a formal and sophisticated voice in the region.

Pedestrians can now tap into our 23 years of experience as a bicycle advocate working to improve the active transportation network.

• By working toward a balanced transportation system where more people are biking and walking and where fewer crashes occur, we ensure your ability to safely get around on foot.
• Our goal is to see a region with 50 percent fewer crashes.
• Pedestrians are disproportionately harmed by crashes.
• We will fight for crosswalk enforcement, sidewalks, improved signalization and countdown timers.

…as a driver?

Too many people rely on their car because there is no other option. As a driver, our work gives you options to avoid the gridlock, saving you time, money and a lot of hassle.

If you really do need to drive, our work gets more people off the roads, freeing them up for you to make it to your destination on time. Our goal of reducing the number of crashes by 50 percent means it is safer for you to get around. Ensuring active transportation in a community also increases its quality of life.

…as a transit rider?

Transit riders have not had a formal and sophisticated voice in the region. Transit riders can now tap into our 23 years of experience as a bicycle advocate working to improve the active transportation network.

Transit is severely under funded. Our work will help direct more dollars to mass transit, which means improvements to your trip.

• Our work to connect and expand transportation means more options for you.
• We will fight for increased services such as additional lines, bus rapid transit and additional bicycle access to trains.
• Ensuring active transportation translates into a more connected region.
• Higher quality of life.

Why is the Active Transportation Alliance involved in Safe Routes to School and Walk Across Illinois?

The Active Transportation Alliance works to ensure safety for the most vulnerable road users. By creating policies and programs at local levels, more children can get to school in safe and active ways.

How is the Active Transportation Alliance working on pedestrian issues?

• Safe Routes to School
• Walk Across Illinois
• Staffing the Chicago Pedestrian Program

…transit issues?

• Bikes on Metra
• Securing appropriate funding.
• We will expand our transit work. We are currently working on what that looks like and where opportunities exist.

What is an alliance?

An alliance represents our member base of people with an affinity focused on active transportation. This alliance includes individuals who are bicyclists, walkers and transit riders. It includes governmental agencies committed to complete streets. It includes businesses and organizations working toward our goals. We will work to have a strong and loud voice that helps transform our transportation culture.