A PAC You Might Actually Want to Donate To

"A group of activists who favor [New York City's] recent investments in bike lanes, pedestrian-only street plazas and other urban elements that don't cater to cars have a plan for ensuring the movement continues: a political-action committee," writes Ted Mann. "The group will announce the launch of StreetsPAC on Thursday, and has already secured about $30,000 in pledges from supporters, organizers said."

The committee will allow residents to have an impact beyond what they can typically achieve via public meetings or nonprofit advocacy groups. "As a political committee registered with the state and city, StreetsPAC can endorse political candidates, give money to campaigns, and mobilize volunteers to help with overtly political tasks, said Steve Vaccaro, a partner in the law firm Vaccaro & White who frequently works on behalf of bicyclists and pedestrians."

"We think we can harness what we've already seen is a burgeoning movement in communities and neighborhoods, something that is evident to anyone who's been attending community board meetings and town halls and other public events over last five years," Mr. Vaccaro said.