It may seem counterintuitive, but people who live in cities are typically much more active than their rural and suburban counterparts—at least when it comes to transportation. I always associate activities like walking and bike riding with open space and the great outdoors, but urban centers are actually much more inviting for self powered transportation. Here’s an example: my parents live 1.2 miles from a great restaurant, yet we’d never walk there—it’s too dangerous. There are no sidewalks, and the cars on the road usually drive well over the 30 MPH speed limit. However, in Chicago, where I live, I’d easily walk 1.2 miles to go out to dinner. There are sidewalks, crosswalks, and plenty of streetlights to keep me safe. With that said, there are quite a few ways that Chicago can improve the city for active transportation, and that’s why the non-profit organization Active Transportation Alliance exists.

Be an Active Job Seeker

It’s hard to argue with the fact that walking and biking are often superior to driving. Not only do you get some exercise, but you also generate less pollution and noise. You’re also constantly interacting with people and adding to the sense of neighborhood. Still, driving can be pretty tempting—as long as you can find somewhere to park. That’s why the Active Transportation Alliance “works to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit and engage people in healthy and active ways to get around.” Nobody likes walking down a poorly lit street at night or riding a bike on a road where the area near the curbs is riddled with potholes. Walkers and bikers need advocates, and in Chicago they have the Active Transportation Alliance exists. If you want to help lead “the charge for a transportation culture that values safety, health, sustainability and choice,” then you should check out jobs at the Active Transportation Alliance. Right now they’re looking for Program Assistant for their Pedestrian Program, and it looks like a great opportunity for a new grad. Check out the job listings for details on how to apply.

Links to Help You Begin Your Research

• ActiveTrans.org
• Jobs at the Active Transportation Alliance
• About the Active Transportation Alliance
• Staff at the Active Transportation Alliance
• Active Transportation Alliance’s Work
• Active Transportation Alliance’s Blog

What’s your preferred mode of transportation?

We've identified Active Transportation Alliance as having career opportunities in the following categories:

• advocacy
• all employers
• Illinois
• non-profit
• program development
• transportation

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