League Cycling Advocate (LCA) Workshop
On September 17th, 2026, three Ride Illinois staff, two board members, two committee members, and several members participated in a League Cycling Advocate (LCA) workshop in Chicago. The workshop was hosted by League of American Bicyclists and was geared toward emerging leaders, plus advocates newly entering the bike movement.
The workshop was generously co-sponsored by the Illinois Medical District Commission. Ride Illinois offered logistics support and helped to spread and encourage individuals to register.
Over the course of nine informative hours, participants learned from accomplished change-makers who inspired us to continue pushing for positive change! The workshop included a group ride to explore bike infrastructure in Chicago. The day concluded with a happy hour during which participants bonded over their shared desire for safe, connected infrastructure, impactful policies, and the many benefits of communities in which people of all ages and abilities can walk, bike, and roll.
In recent years, Ride Illinois’ advocacy, education, and awareness efforts have resulted in meaningful change.
We’ve helped to pass meaningful legislation – such as HB 4989 and SB 3484.
Our vastly improved BikeSafetyQuiz is reaching new audiences to increase the knowledge of both bicyclists and motorists.
Awareness efforts, such as our I Can Bike There campaign, strive to encourage children and adults to use their bicycles for everyday trips. When more people move about by bike, the benefits are limitless.
Even after nearly 35 years of successful advocacy work, it feels like we’re just getting started!
Ride Illinois has enhanced our overall impact by contracting with a lobbyist, hosting Lobby Days, publishing a Legislative Scorecard, and strengthening connections with state senators and representatives. Successful completion of the LCA workshop enhanced Ride Illinois’ advocacy credentials and improved our playbook.
Ride Illinois will continue to work diligently on behalf of all children and adults who ride a bicycle in Illinois.
LCA Workshop Presenters
Throughout the LCA Workshop, proven activists and trailblazers shared knowledge, offered insight, and recommended strategies that can lead to positive change. Presenters included:
Anna Tang from League of American Bicyclists set the stage and shared her accomplishments
Jessica Pearson from Arkansas Moves spoke about working with partners in the community
Ruth Rosas from Nondrivers Alliance presented on the importance of equity and mobility justice
Rachel Schaeffer from Cascade Bicycle Club shared tips for understanding municipal budgets
Joe Cutrufo from Bike Houston dove into rules, strategies, and the process of how things get done
Mike Ridgeman from Wisconsin Bike Fed summarized the significance of authentic engagement
Rudy Faust* from Families with Safe Streets discussed the proven impact of advocacy and lobbying
* Rudy also serves on the Ride Illinois Board of Directors
Reflections
“The LCA Workshop was truly inspiring! I met so many passionate advocates whose drive and energy were palpable. I'm leaving empowered and ready to take everything I learned to make real change happen!”
Savannah Curry, Development & Membership Coordinator, Ride Illinois
Photos
The following photos capture the energy and enthusiasm that was pervasive during the LCA Workshop.
Support Nonprofit Bicycle Advocacy in Illinois
Each new bill, every education resource, every pedal stroke toward more bike-friendly communities across Illinois are made possible by people like you. Generous contributions fuel our advocacy, education, awareness efforts, plus our work to ensure people of all ages and abilities get around their communities (and beyond) by bicycle.
We humbly invite you to make a donation, renew your membership, or join Ride Illinois for the first time. Generous contributions fund our work. Thank you for believing in a safer, healthier, and more connected Illinois!
