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 Courtroom 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. More information on the museum can be found here: New Castle Court House History
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, found here: “Honoring Delaware’s Freedom Seekers”.
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 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).
We hope you’ll join us for this remarkable ride!
The Delaware Freedom Ride:
A Juneteenth Celebration
Delaware Juneteenth Association (DJA) Juneteenth Flag Raising
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Route 9 Innovation Center and Library at 3022 New Castle Ave, New Castle, DE More Information
5th Annual Freedom Gala, Presented by the Delaware Juneteenth Association
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Chase Center 815 Justinson St, Wilmington, 19801
More Information
Delaware Freedom Ride
Join Urban Bike Project and Delaware Greenways for a 15 mile ride retracing the path of the Underground Railroad.
Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 am
Location: 311 Delaware Ave., New Castle, DE
More Information/Registration
Juneteenth Observance, Presented by the Delaware Juneteenth Association
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist
501 Washington St. Wilmington, DE 19801
More Information
Juneteenth Caravan, presented by the Delaware Juneteenth Association
Decorate your car and ride through streets celebrating Juneteenth!
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Christina Park, 4th & Church Streets, Wilmington
25th Delaware Juneteenth Family Enrichment Program and Pageant
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: The Grand Opera House
818 N. Market St. Wilmington, DE 19801
Juneteenth Male Talent Showcase
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Christina Cultural Arts Center
705 N. Market St. Wilmington, DE 19801
To learn more about Delaware’s pivotal role in the history of the Underground Railroad, visit Harriet Tubman Byway and view the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Story Map.
About Delaware Greenways:
We envision a State where trails, pathways and scenic corridors connect everyone to where they want to go, empowering them to live healthier lives as they discover and enjoy the outdoors.