Join ETA to support improved Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Public Transit connectivity in and around Evanston, IL.
🏃♀️ Safe, walkable streets with traffic calming and crosswalks.
🚴 A network of protected bike lanes and paths for all ages and abilities.
🚍 Frequent, reliable, and accessible bus and rail service.
🏘️ Vibrant mixed-use and transit-oriented neighborhoods.
Email us with inquiries at evanstontransitalliance@gmail.com
Events
Chicago Avenue is one of Evanston’s busiest north-south cycling routes despite lacking dedicated lanes, creating hazardous conditions for all road users and discouraging hesitant riders. A fully protected bikeway on Chicago Ave will create a direct connection between Downtown Evanston and Rogers Park, allowing residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to safely pedal to local schools, parks, and Main-Dempster Mile shops…
From 1925 until 1948 the CTA Yellow Line had several stops in Evanston at Dodge, Asbury, and Ridge. Unfortunately, these stations were subsequently boarded up and eventually dismantled. Reopening a CTA station in one or more of these locations would reconnect South Evanston to rail transit, and enhance access to Ascension Saint Francis Hospital, Levy Senior Center, the Howard St business district, and several local bus routes…
Existing conditions on Main St between the Channel Trail and Ridge Ave are hostile to pedestrians and cyclists. The lack of bike lanes means those cycling must use the sidewalk, creating conflicts with pedestrians, or be forced into the street to share space with cars and trucks. Sidewalk gaps exacerbate this problem and, combined with older or missing crosswalks, also act as a barrier for pedestrians and limit access entirely for disabled individuals. As a result, many of those who travel to destinations along Main St drive, due to the lack of safe alternatives…
North Evanston needs a safe and direct east-west cycling route on Lincoln and Harrison Streets, which would connect Central St businesses, Haven and St. Athanasius Schools, Metra and CTA stations, The Evans at Canal Shores, Northwestern University, the new Ryan Field, the Sheridan Road protected bike lanes, and the Old Orchard, Channel and Lakefront Trails…
Evanston Transit Alliance, in partnership with Wilmette Park District, the Village of Wilmette, and the City of Evanston, secured a $40,000 Invest in Cook grant to plan the completion of the Channel Trail. This project would extend the trail from its current dead-end terminus at Green Bay Road and McCormick Boulevard northward approximately 1.5 miles to Gillson Park in Wilmette…
The backbone of Evanston’s public transit network is the CTA Purple Line, however only Davis and Howard stations are currently ADA-accessible. Individuals with wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or luggage are largely limited from using Purple Line service as a result. The CTA's All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) plans to make all 145 CTA stations accessible, yet currently lacks confirmed funding or timelines for implementation in our community…
While Evanston has plentiful north-south transit options, many neighborhoods are far from rail stations, and east-west connectivity is often lacking. A frequent bus service running in a loop through all nine of Evanston’s wards would link key neighborhoods, schools, rail stations, and shopping districts directly. Trips that currently require multiple transfers or long detours using existing bus routes, would become simple one-seat rides, providing a viable alternative to driving…
Used for seasonal outdoor dining since COVID, Custer Avenue could be transformed into a permanent public gathering space in the heart of South Evanston, steps from CTA and Metra, and surrounded by a thriving small business community. A redesigned streetscape which prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists through low-speed limits and built-in community amenities, with cars as guests in the space, would reduce traffic to a walking pace and allow people to use the space for socializing and gathering, with easier accommodation for full-scale closures during summer dining season…
A southern extension of Evanston’s Lakefront Trail along Sheridan Road from Main Street to Calvary Cemetery is a critical missing link in our park and active transportation network. The existing multi-use path ends at Lee Street, providing no safe route for all ages and abilities to walk or cycle south to Clark Square Park, Garden Park, South Blvd Beach, and the Eastlake Terrace Greenway in Rogers Park…