Cycling Through Tragedy: A Journey of Healing and Advocacy

On the morning of July 4, 2022, I was cycling near Lake Michigan with friends, a pastime that has always been my happy place. As we were winding our way back west to head home, we found ourselves delayed at the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and Westleigh Road due to a flurry of police and first responders racing south and ambulances speeding north. Their emergency lights triggered the traffic lights, so crossing the road took over 20 minutes.

Then our phones started blowing up, and friends and family checked to ensure we were all okay. We were oblivious to the Highland Park shooting just a few miles away. Information from motorists was sketchy, but it had to be pretty bad from the number of emergency vehicles whizzing by our location.

We decide to head straight back home as quickly as possible. All I wanted to do was get home where I’d feel safe. It was a very unsettling feeling, one I hadn’t felt since 9/11. Sirens continuously blared as we pedaled, a stark reminder of the crisis unfolding nearby. Little did we know all the surrounding communities were sending their emergency personnel to Highland Park.

Back home, glued to the unfolding news, I learned the shooting happened at the parade in downtown Highland Park. I knew several people who would be there and texted to ensure they were safe. The suspect evaded capture, leading law enforcement over state lines and back again. They finally apprehended the gunman at the very intersection we had been stuck at earlier that morning – U.S. Highway 41 and Westleigh Road. I’d never biked on that road before, and I’ll never forget it.

During that unforgettable tragic day, I was texting with numerous friends, checking to make sure everyone was safe. Then, I received a heart-dropping text from my friend Sandy. Tracy, one of Sandy’s close friends and a woman from my Trek HP women’s cycling group, had been at the parade. Her sister, Jacki, was one of the seven people murdered by the gunman. I struggled to wrap my head around this information.

The day’s events shook me to my core, and still get emotional thinking about it. This tragedy was a harsh reminder of the pervasive gun violence issue plaguing our society. Unfortunately, gun violence is a daily reality in Chicago, and we become numb to the morning news reports. But it’s unnerving when it hits an affluent north shore town reminiscent of Mayberry.

Fast forward to the morning of August 18, 2024. I joined Sandy, Tracy, and over 250 cyclists and walkers for Rock the Ride, a fundraising event for gun violence prevention. One of the event’s organizers is Pam Faulkner, the owner and founder of Green Bay Cycles, a local bike shop. The event supported several organizations committed to the cause, including Moms Demand Action / Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords (Gabby Giffords’ non-profit), and Highland Park Community Foundation – Shooting Recovery Fund all benefited from the entry fees. Even local Representative Brad Schneider of Illinois kitted up to participate in the 25-mile ride along the shores of Lake Michigan.

The morning was an emotional rollercoaster. While riding my bike along the lake always brings me joy, my heart still ached for seven people murdered, 47 others injured, and countless adults and children who witnessed such a heinous act of violence. Along the route, we stopped in Highland Park at the memorial garden built after the shooting. It was a beautiful, peaceful tribute with pictures of each loved one lost that day.

The Kindness Rock Garden especially touched me. People placed painted rocks in the garden, and the sign invited you to select a rock and pay tribute to one of the victims by placing it next to their picture. Or take one for inspiration, share one for motivation, or leave one to help the garden grow. I chose a rock painted by a child and placed it by Jacki’s picture. While I had never personally met Jacki, I felt I knew her through the stories and tributes I had encountered.

The visit to the memorial garden brought up a lot of emotions for Tracy, and I couldn’t help but shed tears, too. This was such a senseless act of violence against innocent civilians just wanting to celebrate Independence Day and watch a parade.

Back at the park where we started the ride, we gathered to hear speeches, and chalk was distributed for us to write the names, genders, and ages of gun violence victims on a stone wall. Emotions overcame me once again as I wrote the name of a 21-year-old male.

While I hold a FOID card and am not opposed to responsible gun ownership, the necessity of automatic weapons escapes me. However, the purpose of this blog is not to debate gun control but to reflect on how cycling not only comforts the soul but also offers a way to support communities affected by gun violence and to advocate for preventative measures.

I wish that someday, charity rides like Rock the Ride would no longer be necessary. But until that day comes, I’ll be joining my friends at next year’s ride.