Major Taylor Project

Mission

Creating a multicultural bicycling community where teenagers have equal opportunity to spend time outdoors and on a bicycle.

Vision

An inclusive culture of bicyclists where after school bicycle clubs inspire cooperative behaviors, healthy living and vibrant community partnerships.

Goals

  • Engage youth to learn about the benefits of bicycle riding and maintenance.
  • Introduce groups of 11 to 18 year olds to Major Taylor and different types of bicycling, including road touring, mountain biking, track racing, and cyclocross riding.
  • Provide mentorship and physical activity in an out-of-school time activity.
  • Partner in the community and increase cycling overall in targeted neighborhoods.

Who Was Major Taylor?

Marshall "Major" Taylor was the first African American professional cyclist. Born in 1878, Major Taylor’s professional racing career spanned 13 years and included the world one-mile track cycling championship in 1899. He remained committed to his passion in the face of adversity and is a source of inspiration to all athletes.

2009 Major Taylor participants