Residents of the 25th Ward, which includes Little Village and Pilsen, are being asked to participate in a survey to rank their main infrastructure priorities. The survey allows neighbors to influence how the ward’s annual $1.5 million in discretionary funding, known as “menu money,” is allocated. Options include improvements to alleys, sidewalks, lighting, street resurfacing and protected bike lanes.

Among these, bike infrastructure is one of the most contentious topics. While some see bike infrastructure as necessary for public safety and mobility, others worry the introduction could accelerate displacement in the predominantly Latino communities.

Jose Almanza, director of advocacy at Equiticity, a racial equity movement, explained that bike lanes can contribute to gentrification when they’re not introduced after or alongside progressive policy change.

“Historically, whenever the city puts amenities in, it’s mostly in White neighborhoods or the downtown area,” Almanza said. “As Black and Brown folks, when we see those improvements coming to our area, people can’t help but question: Who are these for?”

Almanza emphasized that infrastructure like protected bike lanes is often seen as an amenity rather than a necessary resource.

“These are public services,” Almanza said. “When everyone has them, we all enjoy them just as much and it doesn’t become a fear tactic.”

The concern isn’t without precedent. In some Chicago neighborhoods, bike lanes have been introduced without community input and led to parking disruptions and frustration among long-term residents.

Miguel Chacon, a longtime Pilsen resident and father of three, supports the addition of bike lanes.

“We need to make sure that all communities across the city have the same access to bike lanes,” Chacon said. “Anything that’s perceived to be an improvement is seen as a form of displacement.”

Chacon noted that Little Village and Pilsen lack green spaces and are considered heat islands. He sees bike lanes as a potential step forward in environmental justice.

There are also concerns about racial disparities in bike enforcement. Studies have shown that Black and Latino cyclists are more likely to be stopped by police while biking.

“A big reason for that is that when there’s no bike lanes, people feel safer riding on the sidewalk, and it’s against the law here in Chicago to ride your bike on a sidewalk,” Almanza said. “Having protected bike lanes enables people to be safer.”

The 25th Ward participatory budgeting survey closes April 1.

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