Founded by Maxx Aguilar, Black Transport Project (BTP) is an initiative that organizes community events and gives away bikes to Black trans people in the Chicago area. Eligible people who do not have a bike can apply for free, then they are entered into a raffle system, and matched applicants will be paired with a bike that fits their size. Aguilar spearheaded this initiative to fix used bikes and distribute them to Black transgender individuals in the Chicago community, distributing over 65 refurbished bikes since 2020!
In the last year, BTP has focused on hosting community events and supporting new cyclists by teaching them basic mechanic skills and on-the-bike commuting skills. BTP has plans for a bikepacking retreat to introduce recipients who have demonstrated interest in bikepacking with bikes they have received from the giveaway program. As of April 2024, BTP has made headway on the Summer 2024 giveaway goals and welcomes this opportunity to include bikepacking in BTP programming for 2024-2025.