I’m so sorry for your loss.

I truly enjoyed working with Riley at the Chaddick Institute and continue to be inspired by his dedication and passion for sustainable urban transportation. He was a joy to work with; his kindness, generosity, and humor made every collaboration meaningful, and I learned so much from him.

I’ve been heartened by the outpouring of support and the way the city is embracing Riley’s legacy. His passing has already inspired many people to work toward safer streets and better transportation. I plan to incorporate a dedicated module on bicycle safety and Vision Zero into my transportation and public health work in his honor.

Although we hadn’t been in touch for a few years, I continued to draw inspiration from his work. I know he traveled extensively in Western Europe and Riley generously shared what he learned about best practices in transportation. I’ve been thinking of him often and send my sincere condolences.

Coleen, Rusty & Reid,

We are so sad to learn that Riley passed. It took us back to so many memories of the Pope John days.

Riley & Reid had those unforgettable smiles that would make you want to give them anything they wanted. Riley was kind, with a sparkling personality.

Damn, we felt this one, please know each of you are in our prayers & hearts.
We weren’t aware of the service, until the evening of the 20th otherwise we would have been there.
The Lackey Family

Dear O'Neil Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely difficult time.
Please know that the Good Lord has found a place for Riley in his domain, and he will be at peace for all of eternity.

All our love,
The Fisher Family

This photo was taken after we both finished a bartending shift at Southport Lanes back in 2015 or 2016. Almost all of my favorite memories there include him. He lit up whatever room he was in and always had a kind word for everyone. He was one of the best people I’ve ever known, and anytime we got together after some time had passed, it would feel like no time had passed at all. I’m so deeply sorry he’s no longer with us. He was a beautiful light for the world and for all who knew him.

Colleen, Rusty, Reid- words cannot express the sadness that comes with this sudden loss. This is so shocking, and unfair on all levels. What’s certain is Riley’s memory will live on forever— he made such a powerful impact on those that had the privilege to know him. Riley brought such a contageous smile and positive attitude in everything he did in life. Most importantly he was the best big brother to all of us growing up. I’ll miss him dearly. 
Charlie Yeomans

​I didn't know Riley as well as I would have liked, but I could tell he was good all the way through. We met at DePaul as students in the Master of Sustainable Urban Development program and were both involved in the Chaddick Institute, attending several field trips together.

​I've been thinking about the Maya Angelou quote since hearing the news of his passing: 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' I remember how Riley made me feel. I felt understood, because he listened. I felt challenged, because he was smart. And I felt inspired, because he was passionate.

​He was always willing to talk about biking and bike infrastructure; we both biked the city, and I always had questions. He knew what the best planners, policymakers, and advocates know—that infrastructure matters. And he was willing to fight tirelessly for infrastructure that made us healthier, safer, and happier. He was also just as willing to talk about what interested me, a true product of his kindness and curiosity.

​I didn't see him often after graduation, but I followed his efforts and travels. He was a true public servant and an inspiration, not just to me, but to so many who had the fortune of meeting him. I am so deeply sorry to the O'Neil family and his friends for this unimaginable loss.

Colleen, Rusty and Reed, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m devastated with Riley’s passing and will miss him dearly. I find it hard to find the right words but wanted to share some memories. 

We met at DePaul University’s library. Riley walked up to me with a big grin on his face and asked if I was the Dutch guy who had just joined the sustainable urban development graduate  program he was in. He shared how he had a deep passion for biking and invited me to go on a bike ride together the next day. We hit it off and Riley asked if I wanted to join his research project, which involved doing many, many bike rides throughout Chicago. We did many bike projects after that and worked together at Chaddick. Moreover, Riley and I formed a beautiful friendship encompassing the many things he was passionate about.

The next summer, Riley came to visit me in the Netherlands. I will never forget his smile from ear to ear, all week long, while we roamed the streets of Amsterdam on our bikes. Riley learned some Dutch words from my friends along the way which he from then on would use to greet me.

Last month Riley reached out and said he was to host a Dutch delegation at work. We brushed up his Dutch - this time a more formal greeting. 

The picture above was taken when Riley and I helped out at Colleen’s flower business in Chicago. We drove around town in a car filled from floor to ceiling, front to back, with flowers and plants to decorate hotels and restaurants. Colleen made sure to fuel us sixfooters with donuts before, during and after work.

I’m forever grateful for Riley in my life. He made me feel at home in Chicago and lifted the spirits wherever he came. His bear hugs, jokes and laughter will stay with me. Without Riley walking up to me in the library that day my path would have looked different. I’m sure he would be proud to see the impact he had on Chicago and the people around him. Sending you all my love.

At Bernice’s, we loved when Riley joined for bears games and when he would unexpectedly walk in to catch up on the week and catch up with friends. We love and will miss Riley dearly.

Riley was my mother's protector from when he was a kid. He didn't know who I was the first time I pulled up to her house. He stood in front of my car to block my entrance.  "This is Mrs. Rooney's house,get out of here". I explained that I was her daughter and the rest is history.

Riley Lincoln O'Neil was my best friend at Chicago DOT. We first met when I accidently dropped my CDOT office access card and I will never forget the moment we first met and became close friends. Riley was an amazing friend passionate about everything. We would always talk about restaurants, transit expansions, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and city development. I am so sorry Riley and rest in peace and my condolences to Riley's families and friends.

Very sorry for this sudden, horrific news. Riley was the best of people. I did not know him very well, but we knew each other professionally. We first met in Chicago in May 2018, along with Brandon Bordenkircher, when the both of them were researching and consulting on mobility policy issues, and had a keen interest in dockless bike share. I was working for a bike share company that had launched a pilot in the Southside of Chicago. We stayed in touch over text and phone calls over the years that passed and supported each other by exchanging ideas, partnering on entrepreneurial ventures with bikes, and helping each other with connections. What struck me about Riley is the time and care he brought to each relationship, how kind he would be, and his optimistic energy. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know Riley even more, as evidenced by reading other notes about him from friends and family. I promise to keep on fighting the good fight and continually be inspired by Riley's work and passion.

Hector’s Celebration 2026 — I was thrilled to see the boys! Riley and the boys spent so much of their high school years at the house.  Riley - thank you for being a friend to my son!

To the family and Austin:
First of all the many pictures of Riley were wonderful to look at.  Thanks for Sharing. My name is Mary, I worked in the office with Riley.  I didn't sit far from him. I use a walker, I had an accident.  He was so concerned, told me don't get up, just call me on the phone if I needed anything. He would come up front by us to see how things were going, always.  He would stop working as I walked by and ask how I was feeling that day. He was the most wonderful coworker. 
We all loved having him around.  The CDOT team is still in shock. 
We are so sad.
I live in Bridgeport always, and just told him again you and Austin come over for pizza at my place, I have a new place also.  He just told me last week. lets look for some dates. We never got to see his pictures from Hawaii, he had such a good time.
I can go on and on about what a gentleman he was. 
He will remain in our hearts forever.  His workstation is filled with flowers; cards.  I am speechless right now. His face always shared a smile.  Lifted our spirits.
with Deepest sympathy,  Riley Forever.

My condolences
Mary Fratto - CDOT

Colleen, Rusty and Reed. My words will never convey my heart felt sadness for your loss. We should not bury our children. All I can say is that I pray for all of you and Riley’s death is not in vain. He will protect and save other cyclists. May his memory be a blessing.

I never knew Riley, but I've become aware of his death. What a painful loss. I know you'll never stop missing him. He seems like a real mensch, and I didn't even know the guy.

Colleen 

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time . I am so sorry for your loss

Dear Colleen, Rusty and Reed. I don’t really have the words to express my sorrow and deepest sympathy for the loss of your most wonderful boy Riley. I will always remember his smile, kindness and genuine interest and care for my family. I am grateful for having had the fortune of enjoying his presence at many basketball practices and games at Pope John. He was an absolute delight and will be missed dearly by all. I’m so sorry for the pain you must feel and I’m sending you all my love. 
Patricia Pendry

Riley and I played lacrosse together at Fontbonne University. We bonded over sustainability, adventure, and the brotherhood of being teammates. After I moved off campus he went with me to pick out my first bicycle, a vintage steel framed Schwinn - just like his. Being new to cycling I asked him if I was supposed to ride on the street or on the sidewalk. He responded, "When you bought that bike you cast your vote - bikes belong on the street. Wear your helmet and ride safe." 16 years later commuting by bike remains a pillar of my life and I have Riley to thank for that. 

On my first visit to Chicago I stayed with his lovely family and took his dog for walks on the beach. We enjoyed the freedoms of youth, bicycles, and CTA. Our visions for a more sustainable future were well aligned- something he would work tirelessly towards after graduating. 

Riley was incredibly tough! We backpacking together on the highest peaks in Missouri and Arkansas, and in Illinois' largest state forest.  I recall being incredibly exhausted after a long stretch on a sandy trail, finally reaching camp we set up a hammock and immediately napped - a somewhat comical setup considering our large statures. We shared a similar level of boneheadedness (a term of endearment) which often pushed us into adventures neither of us would have attempted alone. 

After I moved back to California, he would ask me about San Francisco's public infrastructure and share the work he was doing to help make Chicago the next great commuting utopia. He never made it out to visit, but I thought of him often and looked forward to our next bike ride together. 

I'll always remember his friendly nature, lively spirit, and an unwavering vision for how to make Chicago better for everyone.

~Rest in Peace Brother~
  - Braunold

Dear Colleen and the O’Neil family-
Here’s a photo of some SUD buds skating downtown during grad school. Riley’s friendship meant a lot to me. I’ll do my best to implement the ideals he stood for in my daily work. With love,
Gabby

I met Riley through the SUD program at DePaul. Together with some friends/classmates, we attended the a conference in Asheville. One day we wanted to go for a hike, so we drove on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway—which was beautiful but also a super winding cliff side road. I was driving, and long legs Riley was in the front seat, and I just remember him being such a supportive navigator during a somewhat terrifying drive. We later went on a beautiful hike, and got totally lost on the way back. But when you were with Riley, it was hard to be in a bad mood. Will miss you so much, buddy.

I knew Riley all four years at Lane. From freshman English to Varsity lacrosse. Riley was a person who could've done anything with his life and he chose to live a life of service. He was a person who I had the utmost respect for and even admired. I remember he had a quote on his Facebook page to "respect all, fear none". Well as his lacrosse teammate I can say he said what he meant and meant what he said. I can't believe he's gone but I'm grateful for the time I had with him. He will be missed.

- Jeremy Olvera

I met Riley when he was still a grad student at DePaul. I attended a couple of seminars & round-tables, at which he presented. As I recall, Riley was keenly interested in regulations around newly-emerging dockless bike share systems & how these systems – and the regulations that govern them – might affect commute trips & times, sustainability & urban design. He was smart, enthusiastic, & extraordinarily good at listening, learning, & helping others understand complex ideas, data, & data analyses. He was passionate, & he was also noticeably gracious, gentle, patient, & kind in his interactions – both verbal & gestural. He always seemed happy, calm, & in good spirits – even in the middle of a heated debate.
I remember – I think it was 3 or 4 years ago – riding home on the lakefront trail with my spouse one evening after work. As we rode north, I thought I saw Riley up ahead. I sped up.  As soon as I determined it was Riley (which wasn’t hard, given his size & bright orange helmet), I was super happy & excited – to see Riley & say “hi”, to have the chance to ride together on a beautiful evening, beside our lovely lake, talk informally, & – best of all -- to introduce him to my wife, Janet. I knew she would immediately like Riley, totally “get” his gentle, sweet, happy vibe.  And it was perfect because we were all doing what we loved – riding our bikes, pedaling home, outside, after a good, honest day of good work!  We chit-chatted & joked – maybe talked a little “shop” – as we rode along. My wife had a Wu-Tang Clan song playing on her speaker. Riley said he really liked the song.  Later, at Ardmore, after we said goodbye & Riley peeled off north to Rogers Park, Janet laughed & said she realized that the song was a retro vibe for Riley, since he was so much younger than us.  We both smiled & simultaneously said, “He’s such a good guy.”  Riley was a good guy – a mensch -- & much too young to have been taken from us. We will always remember & love Riley.

OBITUARY

Riley Lincoln O'Neil

November 3, 1990 – June 5, 2026

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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