We just sent out this news release (below)...enjoy, Chainlinkers!

Thanks,

Ethan Spotts, Marketing & Communications Director, Active Trans

Prepare for your bike commute with Lakefront Trail conditions “traffic report”
Check out www.activetrans.org/lakefront starting Wednesday morning for current conditions

As countless Chicagoans wake up in the morning and tune in traffic reports before hitting the road, thousands of others local residents are in need of a much different “traffic report” as they hop on their bikes and commence their daily commute on the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail.

For many years, the Active Transportation Alliance has used its blog to provide Lakefront Trail users with regular updates about trail conditions, detours and events affecting trail use.

Active Trans is now launching an expanded reporting system at www.activetrans.org/lakefront that allows trail users to share current trail conditions via Twitter to provide more timely information on the conditions of the 18-mile trail.

The Chicago Lakefront Trail serves as one of the most popular bike commuting routes in the region; peak daily usage of the trail reaches up to 30,000 people at the busiest points.

“When you step out of the door, it will be great to have current information about what’s happening on the trail,” said Johanna Thompson, a year-round bike commuter who works at The Field Museum. “Knowing that there’s ice at Fullerton or that the sand has been swept up near 31st will make bike commutes a lot smoother.”

The Active Trans webpage will display the Twitter feed of @activetransLFT (www.twitter.com/activetransLFT), our Lakefront Trail Conditions Twitter account, and any Twitter posts from trail users that use the hashtag #CHILFT.

Trail users are encouraged to report detours and other conditions such as snow, debris and high waves so that everyone can safely enjoy the Lakefront Trail. Active Trans and the Chicago Park District will continue to work together in responding to issues in an efficient and timely manner.

“Active Trans has always been on the ground connecting Lakefront Trail users and the Chicago Park District,” said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “Our new reporting system will ensure that trail users have instant access to conditions that could affect their commute.”

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 nearly 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.