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Quigley Continues “Mike on the Move” Program with Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure Tours

September 4, 2014

CHICAGO — Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) and the Active Transportation Alliance took his new "Mike on the Move" transportation initiative to the streets of Chicago with a seven mile bike tour spotlighting new pedestrian and bike infrastructure, ongoing projects in the area, and several problem spots where existing conditions create safety or barrier issues to walking and biking. "Mike on the Move" highlights how the federal government can support Chicago transportation and infrastructure investments.

"America's crumbling infrastructure is slowing economic growth, and without serious long-term investments we simply will not be able to compete in today's global economy," said Rep. Quigley. "While federal infrastructure investments frequently focus on larger highway and transit system projects, support for Chicago's pedestrian and cycling infrastructure can help increase safety, improve the livability of our community and solidify Chicago as a national leader in sustainable transportation. The Active Transportation Alliance has been a tremendous ally in the cause and Chicago cyclists and pedestrians are fortunate to have them on their side."

The tour started at the new Milwaukee Avenue Spoke Route Protected Bike Lane on one of the city's busiest cycling streets, where newly completed safety upgrades included improved intersection markings, high visibility crosswalks and bike signals. In addition to safety, upgrades along the Wood Street Greenway are improving neighborhood connectivity and increasing access for cycling and pedestrian traffic. The tour concluded at the Berteau Avenue Greenway, which has been designated as the city's first greenway and has been optimized for cycling and pedestrian traffic with bike signals, specialized curb bumps, a roundabout and pedestrian refuge.

"While the Chicago region is home to a growing list of exciting bicycling projects – making it a national role model for new cycling infrastructure – most people in the region still don't ride bikes because they feel unsafe in traffic," said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. "Given that bicycling always gets severely short shifted when it comes to federal transportation dollars, we're pleased that Congressman Quigley is eager to boost federal support for creating a safer and more inviting environment for biking in Chicagoland."

Each year, numerous infrastructure projects throughout the Chicago area receive much needed federal support via funding in the congressional appropriations process. Future "Mike on the Move" events will highlight improvements to some of Chicago's busiest streets and highways; additional sustainability efforts, including the PACE Bus System, the Divvy bike share program and revitalization projects like the 606/Bloomingdale Trail; positive train control implementation throughout the Metra system; and the national importance of Chicago's freight network, among others.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit and engage people in healthy and active ways to get around.

Rep. Quigley is a member of the Congressional Bike Caucus and uses his bike to travel whenever possible in both Chicago and DC. The only Illinois member currently serving on the House Appropriations Committee, he successfully included language in the FY15 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) report calling on the Federal Highway Administration to create new performance safety measures for bike and pedestrian traffic to be used by states to track and reduce injuries and fatalities. He also led the fight against changes to the bill that would prevent funding for public transit, bike and pedestrian projects. Rep. Quigley is also a cosponsor of the Safe Streets Act (HR 2468), which directs state and regional planners to consider better design of sidewalks, intersections, bicycle lanes and other features to improve safety.

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