This article appears in the 2024 issue of Upshift, Ride Illinois’ annual newsletter. The full publication is available as a digital magazine on Issuu.
The photo above was taken during a bike ride in Chicago attended by partners and elected officials. Constructive conversations about reimagining our nation’s transportation network were had!
Some people experience periods of time when things just click. Athletes refer to this as being in “the zone.” While Ride Illinois isn’t making acrobatic shots like Michael Jordan, the organization is operating at a more effective, impactful level. Our hope is that you recognize Ride Illinois’ evolution and increased focus on advocacy in recent years. It helps that the current Board of Directors is the most talented and determined in the organization’s 32-year history. Visit our our website
Ride Illinois strives to make trips by bicycle easier, safer, and more accessible to adults and children of all ages and abilities. Each trip by bicycle is beneficial for people, communities, and the planet. Plus, investments in connected trails and infrastructure makes good economic sense for communities of all sizes!
The I Can Bike There campaign launched in 2023 through a partnership with Working Bikes and Pointz. It aims to educate the public and encourage them to use their bikes for everyday trips, while celebrating those who already use their bicycle as a practical, sustainable mode of transportation. In need of inspiration? Check out the campaign and the stories that have been shared by people from all walks of life.
Our country’s transportation system prioritizes vehicle speed and volume over safety. The speed at which drivers of cars and trucks travel is often alarming and endangers all road users. Safety of people moving about outside of motor vehicles deserves much more attention from elected officials and departments of transportation.
Decades of car-centric transportation planning is the root cause, but the pendulum is starting to swing the other way! Planners and engineers are designing infrastructure with a people-first mentality.
Many young people prefer to walk, bike, or take transit to the financial burden of car ownership. Forward-thinking elected officials and decision makers support legislation and policies that invest in people and communities. And advocates are demanding safe, connected infrastructure and abundant trails. Did we offer a glimmer of hope?
Dive into the 2024 edition of Upshift from start to finish to learn about Ride Illinois’ programs, campaigns, initiatives, and priorities. For a small nonprofit on a limited budget, we relish in making “good trouble” – a term coined by the late Congressman, John Lewis.
Whether you maintain your annual membership, volunteer at an event, share our materials, or chat up Ride Illinois with friends and family, there are many ways to support our important work. Keep on pedaling!
Ride Illinois can be reached at [email protected] and 630-216-9282. Contact us to share your ideas, questions, and comments.