Advocacy – MTICA

Our Committee

MTICA Cycling Advocacy Committee

Major Taylor cycling clubs exist all across this country. When we engage in advocacy together, we become a network powerful enough to identify the issues our communities face, take them to the national stage, and turn them into real legislative change.

Committee Leadership

Neil Walker

Committee Chair

A dedicated member of the League of American Bicyclists, Neil brings deep experience in cycling advocacy and community organizing. He leads the committee's quarterly meetings and sets the strategic direction for MTICA's growing national advocacy efforts.

Charise Stephens

Co-Chair · Major Taylor Kidz

Charise brings the voice of the next generation to the committee through her work with Major Taylor Kidz. Her focus on youth cycling ensures the committee's goals are grounded in the real needs of young riders and the families who support them.

Keith Holt

Co-Chair · Early Founder, Major Taylor Chicago

One of the early founders of the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago, Keith helped build one of the cornerstone clubs in the MTICA network. His deep roots in the Chicago cycling community bring essential institutional knowledge to the committee.

What We Advocate For

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Major Taylor Street SignsEvery city where he raced — across the US and internationally.
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Congressional Gold MedalHR 6672 — honoring Major Taylor's historic achievements.
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U.S. Postage StampA stamp bearing Major Taylor's name and image.
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Major Taylor Day — All 50 StatesExpanding Michigan's model to every US state.
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Cycling Safety LegislationCyclist-friendly laws that make roads safer for everyone.
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The Major Taylor Cycling Safety ActOur ultimate goal — national cycling legislation crafted in the name of Major Taylor that makes cycling safer for every rider, in every community, across America.

Our Vision for National Impact

At the end of each year the committee identifies the top three cycling issues surfacing across our member clubs. Those become the foundation for our Lobby Day agenda at the National Bike Summit — and ultimately, cycling legislation crafted in the name of Major Taylor that makes the road safer for every rider in America.

Get Your LCI or LCA Certification

The committee encourages all members to pursue League Cycling Instructor (LCI) and League Cycling Advocate (LCA) certification. More trained advocates in our network means a stronger, more informed voice at every level. See the full program details further down this page →

Join Us — Be Part of the Solution and the Conversation

We meet roughly every quarter and welcome members from clubs across the country. We ask that everyone make an effort to engage with their local cycling advocacy groups so we bring real, community-backed perspectives to the table. Ready to join? Reach out to Bill Gaston directly.

Email Brother Bill — president@mtica.org →

Active Campaigns

Current Advocacy Efforts

These are the campaigns MTICA is actively supporting right now — and how you can get involved.

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State-by-State · Active · Featured Campaign

Major Taylor Day — All 50 States

The great state of Michigan made history by officially recognizing September 23 as Major Taylor Day — a landmark achievement led by the tireless advocacy of Marc "Marco" Speeks and Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Advocacy. Michigan's example proves what's possible, and MTICA is proud to honor Marco with the 2026 MTICA Trailblazer Award for his extraordinary work in making it happen.

🏆 2026 MTICA Trailblazer Award

Marc "Marco" Speeks

Founder, Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Advocacy · Member, MTICA Cycling Advocacy Committee

Marco is a proud member of the MTICA Cycling Advocacy Committee, and we couldn't be more grateful to have him. His success in Michigan is not a finish line — it's a playbook. Marco is actively consulting and advising Major Taylor clubs and advocacy organizations across the country on how to petition their own states for official Major Taylor Day recognition.

Visit Major Taylor Michigan → Get Major Taylor Day in Your State → Watch Marco's Award Acceptance Video →

League of American Bicyclists · June 22, 2026

Honoring Major Taylor's Legacy: Q&A With Trailblazer Marco Speeks

The League of American Bicyclists sits down with Marco Speeks on winning the 2026 MTICA Trailblazer Award, how he built the coalition that brought Major Taylor Day to Michigan, and the step-by-step playbook any state can follow.

Read the Full Q&A →

A Call to Every Major Taylor Club

This is the campaign we want to see every Major Taylor club in America take ownership of. If your state doesn't yet have an official Major Taylor Day — that is your mission. The movement is bigger than any one city or club, and every state that joins adds another voice to something historic.

Marco Speeks will share the full blueprint — step by step — on how he built the coalition that made Michigan's Major Taylor Day a reality. How to approach your state legislature, who to bring to the table, how to frame the ask. This is exactly the kind of work the MTICA Cycling Advocacy Committee exists to support and coordinate. Bring it to your club. Bring it to your state. This is one of the key conversations happening inside the committee right now.

Connect with the Advocacy Committee →

More Active Campaigns

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National · Active

Major Taylor Street Sign Campaign

MTICA is working to place official Major Taylor street signs in every city where he competed — ensuring his name is part of the landscape he once dominated. Here's where the effort stands:

📍 Chicago, Illinois

✓ Inaugural — Unveiled

The inaugural Major Taylor street sign was unveiled on Saturday, June 27 in partnership with the Bronzeville Trail Taskforce at Douglas Park — one of the very tracks where Major Taylor raced.

📍 Peoria, Illinois

Paperwork Filed

The paperwork has been filed with the City of Peoria. When the unveiling date is set, that information will be posted here.

📍 New York, New York

Proposed

In December 1896, Major Taylor competed in the Six Day Race at the Madison Square Garden Velodrome, finishing 8th of 26 riders across 1,700+ miles. A street sign in New York is a fitting tribute.

Remaining Cities to Be Approached

The following cities have historical ties to Major Taylor's racing career and are being considered for the street sign campaign. Each city will be formally approached once our research team has verified Major Taylor's presence and competition record there.

Baltimore, MD Boston, MA Brooklyn, NY Buffalo, NY Indianapolis, IN Newark, NJ New Haven, CT Philadelphia, PA Pittsburgh, PA Providence, RI Salt Lake City, UT St. Louis, MO Syracuse, NY Washington, DC Worcester, MA

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Federal · Paused

Congressional Gold Medal

Working with the Bronzeville Trail Task Force and congressional partners to pursue the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of Major Taylor — America's first Black world champion in any sport. Congressman Jackson reintroduced the bill in June 2025 with 44 bipartisan cosponsors.

"We're working on a congressional initiative to get Major Taylor honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor and a stamp in his name." — Darius Lawrence, Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago

Learn More →

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Community Petition · 1,500+ Signatures · Paused

Change.org Petition

A grassroots petition that gathered over 1,500 signatures and helped build the momentum behind the Congressional Gold Medal bill.

Temporarily suspended while Congressman Jackson works to bring the reintroduced bill to the House floor. When the petition resumes, the link will be posted here.

Rep. Jackson's Press Release →

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Federal · Advocacy Ongoing

U.S. Postage Stamp

MTICA and the Bronzeville Trail Task Force are advocating for the USPS to issue an official postage stamp honoring Major Taylor — bringing his story to millions of Americans every time they open the mail.

One of three pillars in the Bronzeville Trail Task Force's resolution for Major Taylor. U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL) has expressed support for sponsoring legislation. No stamp issued yet — campaign is active and ongoing.

Bronzeville Trail Initiative →

Cycling Advocacy · Washington, D.C. · March 2024

National Bike Summit — League of American Bicyclists

In March 2024, MTICA made its debut on the national cycling advocacy stage at the League of American Bicyclists' National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. — the premier gathering of cyclists, advocates, and elected officials working to make cycling safer and more accessible across America. What happened there changed the direction of MTICA forever.

🏆 The Announcement

MTICA named Club of the Year at National Bike Summit 2024

Club of the Year — announced on the main stage, National Bike Summit 2024

Bill Gaston accepts the Club of the Year award on stage

MTICA Founder Bill Gaston accepts the award on stage from Bill Nesper, President of the League of American Bicyclists — "Uniting the Voices of Bicyclists on the Hill"

MTICA Club of the Year award — limited edition print

The award — a limited edition framed print, #12 of 34 · Presented by the League of American Bicyclists, 2024

At the 2024 National Bike Summit, the League of American Bicyclists named MTICA the Club of the Year — recognizing the organization's extraordinary growth, its work uniting Major Taylor cycling clubs across the country and internationally, and its commitment to expanding cycling in communities of color. The announcement brought MTICA to the attention of advocates, lawmakers, and cyclists from across the nation.

National Bike Summit · Day 2

Lobby Day — Walking the Halls of Congress

Lobby Day is one of the most powerful elements of the National Bike Summit. Attendees are organized by state and paired with fellow cyclists, advocates, and community members from their home state. Each team is given legislation crafted by the League of American Bicyclists — covering cycling safety, infrastructure funding, and bike education — along with a scorecard showing each elected official's positions on those bills. The teams then walk the halls of the U.S. Capitol, meeting face-to-face with their own state representatives and senators to make the case for cyclists everywhere.

For MTICA Founder Bill Gaston, Lobby Day was a turning point — standing in the halls of Congress, speaking directly to a Member of the House of Representatives on behalf of the cycling community, and seeing legislation with Major Taylor's own name on it. Since March 2024, MTICA has been building its national cycling advocacy initiative, committed to bringing the voice of the Major Taylor cycling community to the halls of power.

National Bike Summit · Washington, D.C. · March 11–13, 2025

Back on the Hill — Lobby Day 2025

The 2025 National Bike Summit brought hundreds of advocates from 44 states to Washington, D.C. On Lobby Day — March 12 — they walked the halls of Congress with two urgent priorities: pass a landmark cyclist safety bill, and stop a surprise federal funding freeze from wiping out already-approved cycling grants.

Legislative Ask #1 · Active Transportation Safety

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act

Named after Sarah Debbink Langenkamp — a U.S. diplomat and mother of two killed while riding her bike in Bethesda, Maryland in 2022. This bill gives local governments more flexibility to spend already-allocated federal dollars on locally-identified bike and pedestrian safety projects — clearing red tape, not creating new spending.

Introduced as H.R. 2011 / S. 944 — MTICA joined advocates from across the country in calling for a full House floor vote.

Legislative Ask #2 · Protect Federal Funding

Don't Freeze Our Streets — Protect Already-Approved Cycling Grants

On the morning of Lobby Day itself, a federal memo arrived instructing agencies to pause any project mentioning "bike" or "bike lane." Millions in already-approved, shovel-ready transportation grants were suddenly at risk of being frozen.

"When you're on fire, we show up with a glass of cool water." — Tiffany Cogell, Boston Cyclists Union

Photos — Lobby Day 2025

Bill Gaston dressed for Lobby Day on Capitol Hill

Bill Gaston — suited up and ready for Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, wearing his League of American Bicyclists bicycle pin

Illinois Congressman Jonathan Jackson speaks to Major Taylor and Chicago cyclists

Lobby Day — Capitol Hill

Back on the Hill — Lobby Day 2026

In March 2026, MTICA returned to Washington for the National Bike Summit with four legislative priorities — including a carryover from 2025 and a major new reauthorization push that would direct $5 billion per year toward safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians across America.

Ask #1 · Road Safety

Maintain the Vulnerable Road User Special Rule

Requires any state where VRU fatalities make up 15% or more of total traffic deaths to spend at least 15% of their Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds on VRU safety measures. This rule has already begun changing how states prioritize life-saving infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

The ask: Protect this rule in any surface transportation reauthorization — don't let it be weakened or eliminated.

Ask #2 · Federal Funding

Keep Transportation Alternatives Robust

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is the primary federal funding stream for bike lanes, shared-use paths, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Reauthorization proposals risk folding TAP into broader programs where cycling and pedestrian projects could be deprioritized or defunded.

The ask: Keep TAP as a standalone, dedicated program with funding that cannot be redirected away from active transportation.

Ask #3 · Active Transportation Safety

Carryover from 2025

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act

First championed at the 2025 National Bike Summit, this bill (H.R. 2011 / S. 944) was not brought to a full House floor vote in 2025 despite 44 cosponsors. In 2026, advocates returned to the Hill to push for passage — determined to finish the fight for Sarah's legacy.

The ask: Bring H.R. 2011 to the House floor for a full vote. Rep. Jonathan Jackson is leading the effort to bring it back.

Ask #4 · Infrastructure Investment

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Reauthorization

The SS4A grant program funds comprehensive safety action plans and capital improvements at the local and regional level, with a focus on eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Reauthorization would commit $5 billion per year from FY2027 through FY2031 — a transformational investment in the vision of zero cyclist and pedestrian deaths.

The ask: Reauthorize SS4A at $5B/year for FY2027–2031 in the surface transportation bill.

Photos — Lobby Day 2026

Monica Garrison, Founder & President, Black Girls Do Bike

Commissioner Rodney Ellis · Houston, Texas

Want to Be There for Lobby Day 2027?

The National Bike Summit happens every March in Washington, D.C. Your donation to the Advocacy Fund helps cover the cost of getting more MTICA voices to the Hill.

Donate to the Advocacy Fund →

Key Partnership

Bronzeville Trail Task Force

MTICA partners with the Bronzeville Trail Task Force — based at the historic Wabash Avenue YMCA in Chicago, a place Major Taylor once called home — on the national Major Taylor Initiative. Together, we are working to ensure Major Taylor is recognized in the annals of history alongside Jackie Robinson, Michael Jordan, and the greatest names in American sports.

Major Taylor's great-granddaughter, Karen Brown Donovan, is among those who have joined the effort: "It's very important for people to know about Taylor, even if he was not related to me. He had an extraordinary life."

Major Taylor Initiative → Bronzeville Trail Task Force

Joint Campaign Goals

✓ Congressional Gold Medal for Major Taylor
✓ U.S. Postage Stamp in his honor
✓ Street signs in every city where he raced
✓ Major Taylor Day in all 50 states
✓ Major Taylor recognized alongside Jackie Robinson & Michael Jordan

Congressman Jackson Celebrates Major Taylor

Bronzeville Trail Taskforce · Congressional Recognition

Congressman Jackson Celebrates the Life of Marshall "Major" Taylor

Illinois Congressman Jonathan Jackson joined the Bronzeville Trail Taskforce and MTICA to commemorate the extraordinary life of Marshall "Major" Taylor — the first African American world champion in any sport. The event brought together community leaders, cycling advocates, artists, and the living descendants of Major Taylor to honor his enduring legacy in Chicago and beyond.

Among the distinguished guests were Karen Brown Donovan, Major Taylor's great-great-granddaughter, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, and Joanne Mac Sweeney — whose extraordinary act of preservation ensured that Major Taylor's story would continue to inspire generations to come.

The Mural That Survived

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as store owners across Chicago were boarding up their storefronts, Joanne Mac Sweeney — owner of On the Route bike shop — commissioned locally and nationally known artists Roger Carter and Robert L. Clark to paint a mural celebrating Major Taylor on the boards placed in front of her store.

When On the Route eventually closed, Joanne wanted this artwork to remain visible to all of Chicago. She donated the mural to the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, where it now stands as a permanent testament to Major Taylor's legacy and to the community that never stopped celebrating him.

Robert L. Clark, co-artist

Locally and nationally known artist Roger Carter's mural of Major Taylor, later donated by Joanne Mac Sweeney to the DuSable Museum

Karen Brown Donovan, Joanne Mac Sweeney, Robert L. Clark, Roger Carter

Karen Brown Donovan · Joanne Mac Sweeney, On the Route bike shop owner · Robert L. Clark · Roger Carter

On The Route Bicycles · Covid-19 Storefront

See the Creation of the "On The Route Bicycles" Shop Covid-19 Storefront

Note: Look closely at the mural — painted on the boards covering the storefront windows during Covid-19, it bears the message "We Are Still Open!" — a testament to the resilience of this community bike shop and the artwork it commissioned to celebrate Major Taylor.

Bronzeville Trail Taskforce · Community Event

Major Taylor Initiative — Launch Press Conference

The Bronzeville Trail Taskforce partnered with MTICA to bring the Major Taylor Initiative to the Chicagoland community — expanding awareness of Major Taylor's legacy and uniting local cycling clubs under one cause. The event was held at the historic Wabash Avenue YMCA in Chicago, a place Major Taylor once called home.

Major Taylor's great-granddaughter, Karen Brown Donovan, and her mother attended and addressed the gathering — connecting the living family of Major Taylor to this growing advocacy movement. "It's very important for people to know about Taylor, even if he was not related to me. He had an extraordinary life."

Visit the Major Taylor Initiative →

Participating Clubs

◆ Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago
◆ Major Taylor-Misfits
◆ Major Taylor-Training Wheels Optional

Major Taylor Initiative press conference

Karen Brown Donovan's mother addresses the gathering

Karen Brown Donovan's mother with an MTICA member

👟 Did you know that Major Taylor and Nike had a gym shoe?

Coalition partners at the Major Taylor Initiative press conference

Karen Brown Donovan at the Major Taylor Initiative podium

Karen Brown Donovan addresses the gathering at the Major Taylor Initiative launch

🎵 A Song Created to Celebrate Major Taylor

Ready to Help?

Three Ways to Get Involved

Whether you want a seat at the table, a chance to walk the halls of Congress, or advocacy tools for your own city — there's a place for you in this work.

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Option 1

Join the Advocacy Committee

We meet roughly every quarter and welcome members from clubs across the country. Bring the real cycling issues from your community to a national conversation that ends up in front of Congress.

Email Bill Gaston →

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Option 2

Attend Lobby Day

The National Bike Summit is every March in Washington, D.C. On Lobby Day, you walk the halls of Congress alongside hundreds of advocates and speak face-to-face with your own elected officials. Your donation helps get more MTICA voices to the Hill.

Donate to the Advocacy Fund →

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Option 3

Get LCI or LCA Certified

League Cycling Instructor (LCI) and League Cycling Advocate (LCA) certifications give you the tools to teach safer riding and advocate for change in your own city. More trained advocates in the MTICA network means a louder, more coordinated voice nationwide.

See Certification Programs ↓

League of American Bicyclists

Get Certified — Make a Difference

The MTICA Advocacy Committee actively encourages every member to pursue LCI or LCA certification. More trained instructors and advocates in our network means a stronger, more coordinated voice from coast to coast.

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Certification Program

League Cycling Instructor (LCI)

LCIs are certified by the League of American Bicyclists to teach Smart Cycling classes to children and adults — helping riders of all skill levels feel confident and safe on the road. As an LCI, you become the reason one more person chooses to get on a bike.

What You'll Teach

Smart Cycling for youth & adults · Bicycle Friendly Driver curriculum · Traffic skills · Road safety for cyclists and motorists

How to Get Certified

Attend a three-day seminar led by a League Coach. No prior teaching experience required. 7,400+ LCIs nationwide. Equity scholarships available.

"When students see instructors who look like them, it makes a big difference. Be the change you want to see!"
— Robyn Short, LCI · Maryland

Learn How to Become an LCI → View Seminar Schedule → Apply for an Equity Scholarship →

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Advocacy Certification

League Cycling Advocate (LCA)

Bike lanes don't build themselves. Safer roads don't happen without people willing to raise their hand and say something. We all share the road — and the responsibility of making it safer.

The League's one-day LCA Workshop gives you the vocabulary, strategy, and certification to become an effective voice for change in your city — engaging elected officials, building coalitions, and turning passion into policy.

📋 What You'll Learn

Bike advocacy history · Political engagement · Coalition building · Policy basics · Storytelling · Equity & mobility justice

📅 Workshop Format

Full-day in-person · Group advocacy ride · Networking happy hour · Lunch included · Certificate of completion · Access to national LCA network

📍 Coming to Chicago

LCA Workshop — Chicago, IL · September 17, 2026

Hosted at the IMD Commission. Space limited to 35 participants. Deadline: August 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET.

Cost: $100 + League membership. Lunch provided.

Your voice can make another cyclist ride better — but you have to be willing to say something. Becoming an LCA means you have the tools to actually do something about it.

Learn More About the LCA Program → Join the League of American Bicyclists →

Riding for Change

MTICA Cycling Advocacy Committee

What We Advocate For

Current Advocacy Efforts

Major Taylor Day — All 50 States

Major Taylor Street Sign Campaign

Remaining Cities to Be Approached

Congressional Gold Medal

Change.org Petition

U.S. Postage Stamp

National Bike Summit — League of American Bicyclists

Lobby Day — Walking the Halls of Congress

Back on the Hill — Lobby Day 2025

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act

Don't Freeze Our Streets — Protect Already-Approved Cycling Grants

Back on the Hill — Lobby Day 2026

Maintain the Vulnerable Road User Special Rule

Keep Transportation Alternatives Robust

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Reauthorization

Bronzeville Trail Task Force

Joint Campaign Goals

Congressman Jackson Celebrates the Life of Marshall "Major" Taylor

Major Taylor Initiative — Launch Press Conference

Three Ways to Get Involved

Join the Advocacy Committee

Attend Lobby Day

Get LCI or LCA Certified

Get Certified — Make a Difference

League Cycling Instructor (LCI)

League Cycling Advocate (LCA)

Help Us Send More Voices to Washington

Advocacy Is One Pillar of Everything MTICA Does