The Active Transportation Alliance is changing Chicago

Chicago is one of America’s favorite cities. It’s famous for big business, great cultural institutions and successful pro sports teams. What’s less well-known about Chicago is that it’s one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country. Partly, this is due to the advocacy of groups like the Active Transportation Alliance. The ATA advocates for pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit riders.

Special challenges on the road

Cars can be a major threat to the modes of transportation that the ATA advocates for. For example, bicyclists can be clipped by car doors when cycling on a city street. That’s especially true in areas where there are no dedicated bike lanes.

Car accidents can pose serious problems for public transit and pedestrians, too. Cars stopped on train tracks can lead to collisions that injure or even kill people. Drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians can cause grave injuries, as well.

In 2020, the ATA was instrumental in lobbying for funds for sidewalk improvements. Their advocacy was a big part of Chicago’s new policy allowing passengers to board buses through rear doors. Finally, the ATA was also a key part of the adoption of dedicated bus lanes throughout the city. Bus-only lanes reduce congestion and make it easier for passengers to get where they need to be on time.

How an attorney could help

All of these reforms helped to make the city safer and healthier. Of course, accidents do still occur. People who have been injured in a collision when walking, biking or using public transit might want to meet with an attorney who has experience in seeking compensation for people who have been harmed by the negligence of other parties.