Join the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project and the City of Chicago for a speaking program followed by our 8th Annual Historic Bike Tour, a 7-mile slow-roll ride through Bronzeville, Bridgeport, and the lakefront that explores the history and lasting legacy of the 1919 Chicago Race Riot.
This year’s tour marks a historic milestone, the completion of our seven-year campaign to install all 38 memorial markers honoring each life lost during the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. Together, these memorials transform Chicago into a living memorial that remembers the past while inspiring healing and justice for future generations.
Along the route, participants will hear the stories of the victims, learn how the events of 1919 shaped Chicago’s neighborhoods, and visit sites that connect our city’s history to the present.
Tour Details:
Starting Location: Eugene Williams Memorial Plaza (125 Fort Dearborn Drive) Directional signage will be provided
Ending Location: Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Parking Lot D5: northside of 35th Street between the CTA Green Line “L” tracks and De La Salle
Schedule
- 9:15–9:45 a.m. – Check-in (and check out the two new markers!)
- 10:00 a.m. – Opening program
- 10:30 a.m. – Ride begins
Getting There:
Parking
We recommend parking at IIT Parking Lot D5, where the tour concludes because plentiful, free parking is available there; by contrast, parking near 31st Beach could be full and definitely is paid parking.
From D5, bicyclists may proceed, on their own, to ride the two miles to the starting location at 29th and Lakeshore Trail. Alternately, we will have bike marshals leading “bike buses” that will depart at 9:00 am and 9:20 am; in other words, a bike marshal will lead any cyclists who wish to go in a group to pedal to the starting point along the lakeshore. Again, y’all are welcome to bike from IIT parking lot to the event’s starting point on your own as you wish.
Paid parking is also available near 31st Street Beach, adjacent to the starting location, though spaces may be limited on summer weekends.
Public Transit
CTA riders can reach the start via the Red or Green Line and connect to the #35 bus. Bikes are permitted on CTA trains on Saturdays, and CTA buses are equipped with bike racks.
Divvy Bikes
Need a bike? Divvy will fully stock the stations near 31st Street Beach for the event.
A limited number of $50 Divvy credits are available for registered participants while supplies last. The credit covers the full cost of a classic bike rental for the tour. Participants wishing to receive a code should email us after registering. Divvy bikes require either the Divvy or Lyft app. To request the coupon code to get the Divvy credit, please email us at: chicagoraceriot1919@gmail.com
Accessibility
A trolley will accompany the tour and stop at each location. Seating is limited and will be prioritized for elders and participants needing mobility accommodations. To request a trolley seat, please email us at: chicagoraceriot1919@gmail.com