Make your neighborhood a walkable winter wonderland

(A Message from the Active Transportation Alliance)

Fliers ask Chicagoland residents to keep snow shovels ready

Chicago, IL – Good shovelers make good neighbors. That’s the idea behind the campaign launched by the Active Transportation Alliance.

“We’re asking that you do the neighborly thing and keep your sidewalk clear,” said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “Snow- and ice-covered sidewalks force people into the street and discourage them from walking.”

The organization offers downloadable fliers that make a friendly request for better snow removal practices, as well as fliers saying “thanks” for a job well done. Learn more at www.activetrans.org/shovel. Both fliers are available in English and Spanish. 

The campaign encourages Chicagoland residents to

• Print out fliers that ask their neighbors to keep sidewalks clear from snow.
• Learn about their local snow removal ordinance.
• Find out how to bring a snow removal law to their community.

Burke said snow- and ice-covered sidewalks can be a major impediment for anyone, but especially for seniors, people with disabilities and children who rely on clear sidewalks for essential trips in their communities.

The Chicago Department of Transportation is rewarding businesses that clear their sidewalks. Residents can nominate local businesses and organizations that do an exceptional job of removing snow.

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 35 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.