CHICAGO — This Sunday, a group of cyclists in Chicago will pedal together to show their support for street vendors in the city’s Latino neighborhoods.
Street vendors in these areas have been struggling to make ends meet, claiming that the Trump administration’s rigorous immigration policies in Chicago have severely affected their income, making it hard to afford rent and pay bills.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
To lend a helping hand, cyclists are touring various neighborhoods throughout Chicago, purchasing goods from street vendors, ranging from tamales to elotes, in an effort to boost their sales.
One of these supportive bike tours is set to take place in the Back of the Yards neighborhood this Sunday. Sometimes, as many as 100 cyclists participate, pooling their resources to ensure the vendors can sell out their stock.
The initiative is a combined effort by Cycling x Solidarity and the Street Vendors Association of Chicago. Organizers explain that this movement aims to support street vendors who are anxious about potential detainment during the Department of Homeland Security’s operation “Midway Blitz.” The groups also organize “buyouts” to further assist these vendors.
The cyclists are scheduled to gather at noon at Chinatown Square Plaza before proceeding to Back of the Yards.
The Street Vendors Association of Chicago says they have raised over $300,000 to help vendors through their relief fund.
