New campaign urges Chicago suburban communities to make roads inviting to all people

The Active Transportation Alliance today launched its Communities for Complete Streets initiative, which asks Chicago’s suburban communities to create roads that are inviting to all people regardless of their age, ability or how they’re getting around.

With growing levels of concern about traffic congestion, pollution, transportation costs, and obesity-related diseases, awareness is increasing about the need for better transportation options in communities throughout Chicagoland.

People can take action and learn how to get involved in their community by visiting www.activetrans.org/completestreets. Included in the website is a series of factsheets detailing the many advantages of streets that are safer and more inviting.

The campaign will mobilize residents in Chicago’s suburban communities to urge their municipality to adopt and implement a Complete Streets policy. As part of the campaign, Active Trans will educate and empower community groups like PTAs, green committees, and wellness committees in addition to partnering directly with municipal leaders.

“Whether you’re eight or eighty, we believe you should be able to get around your community safely by walking, biking, transit or driving,” said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “We want Chicago suburban communities to make a commitment to safe streets and we’re asking residents to please sign on to the campaign.”

Complete Streets policies are needed to help youth stay active and help older adults age in place. When implemented, these policies help the economy by improving property values, boosting local business and allowing families and individuals to save on transportation costs.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit safe, convenient and more commonplace in Chicago and the suburbs.

For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.