Chicago
Let’s Elect a Pro-BikE City Council

Chicago Bike PAC is grassroots political action committee registered in the State of Illinois

We believe that bicycles are smart, sustainable transportation for human-scaled urban living.

We also believe Chicago is falling short on the Big Imagination and Big Investment needed for the future.

But we’ve got Big Shoulders. This city knows how to build big things.

Together, we are going to change the next election for Chicago City Council.

Why a New Organization?

No other Chicago bike advocacy organization may legally donate to political candidates for office. We want to fix that influence gap.

Like it or not, campaign donations are a big part of the American political process. This fund will allow the #bikechi community to directly engage the political races which will have the most impact on Chicago’s future.

What is Bike PAC?

The Chicago Bike PAC is a Illinois state-level political action committee (“527”) dedicated to electing candidates that support bicycling infrastructure and defeating those that don't.

We are new—launching in 2024—but we are founded by Chicago residents with a history of cycling advocacy in Chicago.

Local & Future

Now more than ever, local politics matters. We will support municipal and state candidates only.

We’re planning ahead. The Chicago City Council & Mayor face re-election in February 2027. Bike PAC is just getting started, and there’s much to plan, but you can already subscribe or donate.

Don’t LOSE Track

Subscribe and we’ll email as momentum builds.

FAQs

Are You Working with Other Bike Advocacy GRoups in Chicago?

Yes, we are in contact with excellent organizations such as Bike Grid Now, Better Streets Chicago, Critical Mass, Bike Lane Uprising, Active Transit Alliance and others. Our goal is to “fill the gap” by providing a political action fund that can directly support candidates where other groups such as 501(c)3s cannot.

Who is Behind the Fund?

Kevin Borgia is a long-time Chicago cyclist and experienced political advocate for sustainable solar power.

Chris Ridgeway is a long-time Chicago cyclist and former political communications director for 1st Ward Ald Daniel LaSpata.

We have immediate plans to build out an advisory board that represents a growing & diverse coalition of Chicago cyclists.

What Is Your Financial Transparency Plan?

We are registered with the Illinois State Board of Elections under committee ID #29616, and are already filing required quarterly statements representing our donations.

How Much Have you Raised?

We haven’t even begun our first campaign. We are considering this PAC to be in “pre-launch” phase, and look begin our first large campaign in Spring 2025.

However, we’re already grateful to have donors engaging, which is an strong indicator to us that Chicago wants bike-friendly elected officials.

What’s NeXt?

  • Convene an advisory board and build a volunteer base

  • Establish our brand, website, mailing list, and donation platform

  • Develop candidate assessment criteria and donation plan

  • By end of 2024: raise $50,000

  • By 2027 Chicago Municipal Election: raise and distribute $150,000