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**Since there is another thread talking about the same thing I'm gonna close this one (I started it). Let's use - http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hey-we-changed-our-name-were. I have asked if threads can be combine (if Ning can do it and if we want that too).

At last night's annual member meeting Rob Sadowsky, Chicago Bicycle Federation's executive director, announced the organization has changed its name to "Active Transportation Alliance". They have expanded their scope to include pedestrian and public modes of transportation.

The new website is - http://activetrans.org/

Still trying to figure out what I think here, I guess just shocked a bit... but in '04 they started incorporating other forms of non-motorized vehicles into their mission.

What do you think???

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There is little that they'll be able to do regarding transit activism without getting other groups on-board with their mission. I'm guessing this will turn more into ATA handling complaints about transit, getting bike racks fixed faster, and being a liaison with CTA for peds/cyclists. I see them having no part in planning or anything like that.

As for the bike stuff, it's still their mission. I'm a bit put-off by the tactic to not propose scope changes to their charter to it's membership, but maybe they did and I missed it.
Hey everyone, thanks for the comments, concerns and questions about our expanded mission and new name. It's good to hear that some are for the change...we did anticipate that there would be concern and negative thoughts. We are listening and open to dialogue.

I'll post a fresh thread with a more complete thoughts and will also get back to those that have emailed us and commented on our blog.

Thanks sincerely,
Ethan Spotts, Active Transportation Alliance
The merger couldn't only be for financial gain, could it?!?
The change of name and scope disappoints me, but I've never been an active member and shouldn't complain. Bike issues are unresolved and will now get a smaller amount of the organization's attention because they're adding pedestrians and mass transit to their agenda. (I am not sure what's 'active' about mass transit.) As for a "Walk to Work Day," yawn. That's even less exciting than "Take a Bus to Work Day." Maybe they'll try to close State Street to make it easier for buses.
I missed the meeting, but I first heard of this by receiving a post card from them on Friday. My first reaction was disappointment, but I think it has potential. As someone mentioned earlier, Transportation Alternatives in NYC is an active and well-know organization, so if Active Trans is modeling itself after them, I can see where it's coming from. CBF really should have informed the membership much earlier in the process and solicited our input, though.

I just read the article about their personal transportation coaches program and think it's a cool idea. http://www.chitowndailynews.org/Chicago_news/Transporation_coaches_... The article talks about how it costs too much money to bring the program to the city, but what about using the membership as volunteers? I'd be willing to volunteer to help people in my neighborhood interested in bike commuting.
I can close this thread. Use - http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hey-we-changed-our-name-were .That probably makes sense to close it since we have 2 going here with the same responses. Leah, can we combine two threads? Let me know. Thanks.

h3 said:
FYI the companion thread to this one:
http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/hey-we-changed-our-name-were
We should probably let this thread sink and keep the new discussion on the 'response' thread.

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