Cascade Bicycle Club and Bike Works has unveiled the Major Taylor Project, a new program dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where teenagers have the opportunity to spend time outdoors and on a bicycle. King County Executive Ron Sims, who spearheaded the initiative for the Major Taylor Project, was on hand February 25 for the kick-off event.

The Major Taylor Project will begin with four, after-school bicycle clubs for teens at Global Connections High School in SeaTac, the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club, the YES Foundation in White Center, and the Bike Works facility in Rainier Valley. Cascade Bicycle Club will provide instructor and volunteer training, program management, and the initial purchase of 70 Redline cyclocross bikes to get the kids rolling.

"Hundreds of children will experience the exhilaration of recreational bicycling thanks to the partners in this new program," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "This kind of opportunity can truly be life-transforming for some of the students who will take part."

Clubs will run April through August, and will educate teens about mountain and road biking, skill building, bicycle mechanics, map reading, safety training, mentorship, and community awareness. At Global Connections, Principal Rick Harwood, a biking enthusiast, is involved in the program along with some of the GC teachers.

Program leaders anticipate reaching 120 teens in the first year, some with goals for long summer rides, such as Cascade Bicycle Club’s 200-mile Group Health Seattle to Portland ride. Major Taylor Project supporters include Group Health, King County Metro, Seattle Bike Supply, Recycled Cycles, Rack 'n Road, and Cycle University.

Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor was the first African American professional cyclist in the United States. Born in 1878, Major Taylor’s professional racing career spanned 13 years. Banned for several years from competing in championship events, he eventually became a national and world champion several times over. A source of inspiration to athletes from all walks of life, the Major Taylor Project honors Major’s commitment to his passion in the face of adversity.

Founded in 1970, Cascade Bicycle Club is a 10,000-member, nonprofit organization based in Seattle, serving more than half a million cyclists in the Puget Sound community. The club is operated by a nine-member volunteer board of directors, 19 professional staff, and thousands of volunteers. More information about Cascade Bicycle Club’s advocacy, commute, and education programs is available online at www.cascade.org or by calling 206- 522-3222.