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On Thursday, July 9, 80 police officers departed as a sea of blue on wheels from the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, destined for Chicago. The 22nd annual four-day ride, along historic Route 66, is known as The 2026 Cycle Across Illinois. The monumental trek benefits Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), which supports families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

Cyclists and their support staff enjoyed a hearty dinner meal, sponsored by Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson, the night before the ride. Riders spent the night at the SIUE residence halls, partially sponsored by SIUE PD, a $10,000 savings on accommodations.

“They said our residence halls are one of the nicest places outside of the one hotel they get. They're so happy about it,” said Lieutenant Lisa Johnson, who coordinated the SIUE portion of the journey. Johnson recalled the inspiration for SIUE PD’s initial support: “We have a female officer whose husband was killed in the line of duty a couple years ago. This group raises so much money, their contribution allowed her to not work for a little bit.”

According to the COPS Illinois chapter information page, “During this journey, we meet with family members and other officers throughout the State of Illinois to let them know that their loved ones have not been forgotten.  The Illinois chapter uses this bike ride to unite, grief, heal and memorialize our fellow officers.”

Many of those riders involved have lost brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, colleagues, and friends in the line of duty. Before taking off, the cyclists held a brief memorial service, which included moments of silence in honor of three fallen officers: Patrolman George Fries (End of Watch, 1926), Patrolman William Otis Peebles (EOW, 1928), and Sergeant Charles Chandler (EOW, 1936).

It was then time for the Illinois cycling unit to line up for the group photo and mount dozens of bicycles.

“This has been a goal of mine,” said Captain G. Cale Becker, Captain of Special Operations at Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Becker is a nearly 25-year law enforcement veteran. He embarked on the journey with his son, Michael.

“It's kind of a father-son thing we want to do together, but at the same time honoring the fallen and the families because that's what this is about. It's about supporting the families who are survivors of fallen officers. And we just think it's a great cause. That's why we're doing this.”

Along for the ride is a 30-member support team. Cris Stacy has volunteered with COPS “since the beginning.” Her husband Sergeant Eric Stacy, now with Granite City PD, worked with Officer Jeremy Chambers at Cahokia PD when Chambers was killed in the line of duty in 2006.

“SIUE has been wonderful. With the dorms it just makes a difference,” said Cris Stacy. “The money raised goes for so many things. They have so many retreats now. We can host a retreat for children, fallen officers, spouses, significant others, as in fiancés, moms, parents, and siblings.”

State Sen. Erica Harriss, of the 56th District, usually catches the riders in transit while in Springfield, but this year she happened to be in Edwardsville. When she asked a local officer about the starting location, he replied, SIUE, 6 a.m. “I said, I’m pretty sure there's nothing else on my calendar at 6 a.m.,” said Harriss, who met the riders before they took off.

“I think it's impressive, and I'm glad to be here to be able to support it. I hope to try to bring some awareness to it because it's a great purpose.”

Harriss and Stacy noted how Edwardsville businesses like The Cyclery and Fitness Center see the cyclists and actively inquire about ways to help.

Ultimately the impressive gathering honors those who, due to tragic circumstances, must navigate a tough road ahead. “It's a club you don't want to belong to,” said Stacy, who is committed to her role as a volunteer. “I'm here, but I don't want to have to be here.”

Visit the COPS Illinois chapter website for donation information.

Photos by Howard Ash