Center for Minority Health

Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club (PMTCC)



Do you know Major Taylor?

In the late 1890's bicycle races drew crowds that filled Madison Square Garden; the biggest draw of all was Marshall W. Major Taylor. Having become the undisputed black champion of America, Taylor overcame racial segregation and intolerance to become the one-mile sprint world champion in 1899, and by the end of 1898 held seven world cycling records!

Why is this important?

The University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health and Adventure Cycling Association share the goal of encouraging people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, including African Americans, to explore the landscapes and history of America by bicycle. That is why these two organizations are committed to creating an Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. Throughout history black people have used bicycles as a mode of transportation. Both Major Taylor and the Underground Railroad represent the struggle to freedom from slavery and the challenge to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities.

PMTCC Ride Calendar

New Members Packet

The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route Page »



Other News Sources...
Beyond Bikes Day
May 30, 2009
12pm-3pm

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BikeFest 2008
Community Bicycle Gathering
& Bash!
A Fund-raiser for Bike Pittsburgh

June 27th, 2008
6pm-12am
121 7th St. - Downtown Pittsburgh

Following the drinking gourd
Cyclists on Underground Railroad
Tour stop in city
June 04, 2008

Tomorrow's Trail Leaders
Rails to Trails
Winter 2008

Hot Metal Bridge Wrap
Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club
November 28, 2007

Underground Railroad Pittsburgh SPUR Wrap
Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club
October 27, 2007

Pedal pushers | Athens native, mother travel the nation and beyond by bike
The Athens Messenger
June 24, 2007

Bicyclist's journey rolls into an adventure in heritage and health
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
June 13, 2007

Cyclists reach the end of the line; Group follows Underground Railroad route from Alabama to Owen Sound
Local News
May 30, 2007

Biking the Trail of the Underground Railroad
All Things Considered
May 20, 2007

Riding the Underground: Cyclists pass through Southern Indiana on 2,100 mile trek
The Evening News & The Tribune
May 05, 2007

Underground Railroad Bicycle Route stops in Grove Hill
The Clarke County Democrat
April 19, 2007

Cyclists following historic route of the Underground Railroad
The South Alabamian
April 19, 2007

Biking to health on the Underground Railroad Trail
University Times - University of Pittsburgh
April 19, 2007

Bikers follow Underground Railroad
Press-Register
April 15, 2007

A Historical Ride - Jet Magazine
Jet Magazine
April 2, 2007

The Northern Underground - Bicycling from Kentucky to Canada
Adventure Cyclist
April 2007

Adventure Cyclist - Go the Distance
Adventure Cyclist
April 2007

Underlying the Underground
"Letter from the Director"
Adventure Cyclist
March 2007

Historical Information In Support of the Adventure Cycling 2007 Bicycle Tour Along the Underground Railroad
Research completed by Group 505 at Purdue University
March 2007

Comings and Goings
The New York Times
March 18, 2007

New bicycle routes trace Underground Railroad
USA TODAY
March 9, 2007

Freedom route mixes cycling, history lesson Riding 2,100 miles in slaves' footsteps
Courier-Journal.com
March 4, 2007

Maps aim to connect cyclists with Underground Railroad history
Associated Press
March 3, 2007

Project helps cyclists travel Underground Railroad from Kentucky to Owen Sound
The Canadian Press
March 3, 2007

The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route : Alabama to Kentucky
Adventure Cyclist
November/December 2006

Breaking Away to Freedom
Adventure Cyclist
June 2006

Riding to Better Health
"A Look at the Center for Minority Health’s Innovative Partnership with Adventure Cycling."
Adventure Cyclist
April 2006

If you go... Underground Railroad Bicycle Route
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
April 1, 2006

Cycling trip follows trail from slavery to freedom
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
April 1, 2006



© 2009-2010 Center for Minority Health
Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh
    Privacy Policy