Description
Join Urban Bike Project and Delaware Greenways for a 15-mile bicycle ride as we 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. We encourage you to visit the Court Room where the Garrett-Hunn trial was held, watch a dramatization of the Garrett-Hunn trial in the Teleduction video Whippers of Angels, view their exhibit on the Underground Railroad and other highlights of Black History in Delaware. Museum admission is free. New Castle Court House History – Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs – State of Delaware
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 a virtual Story Map that is available on the Delaware Greenways website by visiting https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7b96c00d8ffc44d5862dc5a281fba1c7.
The ride ends at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, where riders are encouraged to join the Delaware Juneteenth Association’s Freedom Festival. An optional return trip to New Castle leaves the park at 12:30pm for those who may prefer not to spend more time at the festival. Those who choose to stay at the festival should plan on completing their return trip independently.
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 us know).
Registered participant information will be shared with Delaware Greenways.
Click Here to register for The Delaware Freedom Ride.
10:30am start; 8.5 miles or 15 mile round trip
Start: New Castle Courthouse Museum (211 Delaware Ave, New Castle DE 19720)
End: Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park
Optional Return Trip: Leaves Frawley Stadium at 12:30 to return to New Castle