In honor of Riley O’Neil (LAS MA '17), a passionate advocate for bike safety. Riley was a beloved leader in the City of Chicago’s bicycle program and an employee at the Chicago Department of Transportation as a Complete Streets Urban Planner. As a lifelong Chicagoan, he dedicated his life to making the streets safer while promoting a healthier, more sustainable environment for all. Riley’s commitment touched countless lives, and his efforts made a lasting impact on the community he loved so much. Tragically, Riley was killed while riding his bike home on June 5, 2026, in the very kind of accident he spent his career trying to prevent. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is inviting donations to support Riley's legacy in a way that reflects his values and celebrates the difference he made. Funds from donations made and the committee’s matching gift will go to DePaul University's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, where Riley was a graduate student earlier in his career, to support fellowships, scholarships, student skill-building activities, public lectures, and research, among other initiatives related to sustainable urban development and the creation of safer cities. Chaddick is proud to work with the APA-DEI Committee to continue the work Riley held dear.
