Streetsblog Chicago just got some terrific news! A generous anonymous donor will contribute up to $15,000 in matching funds for our current campaign to raise $50,000 by December 31. That means your end-of-year contribution will be doubled up to $15,000. We can’t afford to let this opportunity pass. Please chip in with a tax-deductable gift today, so we can continue our work advocating for better transportation options and a more livable city.
This is a pivotal moment for the safe streets movement in Chicago. Battles are heating up over the CTA’s plan for fast, reliable bus rapid transit on Ashland Avenue, and the Chicago Department of Transportation’s speed camera program, which has led to a 65-percent reduction in speeding. It’s our job to debunk misinformation from opponents of these forward-thinking programs and point out when the mainstream media gets the facts wrong.
We draw attention to Chicagoans are pressing for change to their neighborhood streets, making the case for safer biking and walking. And our coverage of regional stories like the potentially disastrous Illiana Tollway proposal and urban planning topics like transit-oriented development helps frame the issues and elevate the debate.
CDOT has been doing great work over the last two-and-a-half years building protected and buffered bike lanes, launching Divvy bike-share, improving pedestrian safety, and creating vibrant new public spaces. However, with the departure of Commissioner Gabe Klein and Deputy Commissioner Scott Kubly, it’s more important than ever for Streetsblog to serve as a watchdog, making sure city departments keep the momentum going. We need to prevent a repeat of what happened in Washington D.C., where progress stagnated after Klein left his post as transportation chief.
With this exciting matching donation opportunity, your gift to Streetsblog will have twice the impact. Please make your tax-deductable donation today, so we can continue this important work keeping the Windy City moving in the right direction in 2014 and beyond.
As an added incentive, we’re giving away a beautiful C7 and a classy V7 bicycle from our friends at PUBLIC bikes to two lucky readers who give $50 or more. We’ll hold the drawing after December 31, and the first name out of the hat gets the first choice of these sweet rides.