Description
Join Delaware Greenways and Urban Bike Project for a 15-mile bicycle ride as they retrace the path of the Underground Railroad through New Castle County along a portion of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.
Prior to the start of the ride, the New Castle Court House will be open. You’re encouraged to visit the Court Room where the Garrett-Hunn trial was held, watch a dramatization of the Garrett-Hunn trial in the Teleduction video Whispers of Angels, view their exhibit on the Underground Railroad and other highlights of Black History in Delaware. Museum admission is free.
At 10:30 the ride will begin and follow the Jack Markell Trail to Wilmington, stopping along the way to hear stories of key individuals in the historic fight for Black liberation in Delaware. These stories are shared through our virtual Honoring Delaware’s Freedom Seekers Story Map.
Aanother location has been added on the route to visit this year. You’ll hear about a wrong being made right, as best it can, importantly respecting and remembering individuals from long ago.
The one-way ride concludes at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park in Wilmington. Riders who are comfortable riding the return trip on the trail themselves are encouraged to spend time enjoying the Wilmington Riverfront. An optional group return trip to New Castle leaves after a 15 minute rest at the Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park.
This ride is free and open to all ages. The route follows a paved multi-use path, with short stretches on low traffic roads. Please no training wheels or strider bikes. Young people who are not comfortable riding on their own or who cannot maintain a consistent pace should be attached to a parent or guardian (via child trailer, tag-along bike, or child seat). Helmets are required for all. (If you do not have a helmet and would like to participate in the ride, please let them know).