Working together, Chicago Bike PAC has raised $107,508
Co-Chair Kevin Borgia addresses more than 200 supporters at Chicago Bike PAC event on September 10, 2026 at Midwest Coast Brewing Co.
Thursday night, Chicago cyclists said that they were serious about electing a pro-bike City Council.
A year ago at our launch of Chicago Bike PAC, you heard our goal: $100,000 to make our voice heard in this election cycle. For a grassroots PAC founded by neighbors with a mission, it wasn't going to be easy. So we set a target and worked hard.
Working together, Chicago Bike PAC has raised $107,508.
Snapshot as of Sept 14, 2026
Were you surprised? We were. We knew we could get close. But the sense of collective urgency and generosity blew us away.
Rebecca Resman, Chicago Family Biking
"Every time we let a dangerous street stay dangerous, that's a choice," said Rebecca Resman, speaking in front of over 200 supporters at our #bikechi Campaign Trail Party. "But every time we fight for a protected bike lane, a safer crossing, a slower street, that's a choice, too. So today, we're choosing to fight."
The highlights were too many. Ald. Julia Ramirez and Brighton Park bike ride leader Gil "Pookie" Campos reminded us how lives on the Southwest Side can't be ignored. Tim Shambrook stood to remind us of his 3-year-old daughter Lily Shambrook's tragic death—by inspiring us with stories of her life.
Supporters raise their hands at Chicago Bike PAC political fundraiser September 10, 2026.
Ald. Andre Vasquez asked us to raise our hands if we've been doored, injured while riding, or "nervous as hell" for those we love.
He reminded us that safety in our neighborhood streets isn't for the few, but a truly matter of equity across all abilities, neighborhoods, and backgrounds.
Our highlight? The selfie with Ald. Matt Martin, Ald. Daniel La Spata, Ald. Andre Vasquez, Ald. Julia Ramirez and Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth—the five Alders who Chicago Bike PAC is calling our "Safe Streets Pacesetters." These elected officials have a proven record of using their voice and vote for safer streets and we've shown our support financially.
Ald. Matt Martin, Ald. Daniel La Spata, Ald. Andre Vasquez, Ald. Julia Ramirez and Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth—early endorsements from Chicago Bike PAC
After all that? We celebrated how we can work together to bring change to our city. What an amazing feeling to know that our megaphone is only getting bigger.
What's next?
We're diving headfirst into our full endorsement process. There are more champions out there than just our first five. Working together with Better Streets Chicago Action Fund, questionnaires are going out to candidates, and interviews will help us discern those who are willing to support our vision for Chicago. We'll be making independent funding decisions after the election board filing deadline on October 26 and ballots are finalized.
What actions can folks take now?
Volunteer for elected officials. Our allies are collecting signatures to get on the ballot, so now is a good time.
Watch our partners for action alerts about the city budget. We're asking alders not to cut engineers who design our safety infrastructure. And we need the Smart Streets automated camera enforcement program—which can ticket vehicles illegally parked in bike lanes—to be expanded citywide. More in this Chicago Tribune op-ed written by our allies..
And of course, donations aren't closed! While we hit our first big goal, the more funding we raise, the wider our collective influence and impact. We hope to reach Chicago cyclists who have never heard of us—there are many.
Thank you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Many thanks to our co-host partner organizations Chicago Family Biking, Better Streets Chicago Action Fund, and Bike Grid Now. Thank you to our "Protected Lane-Maker" Sponsors SRAM, Lime, Keating Law, Christopher B Burke Engineering, and ALSO e-bike.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we are going to change our city.
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