Painting history of black cyclists; inventors, athletes, leaders, etc.

Kate Agason

Celebrate Black History Month

Towards the end of Black History Month, an article by Kate Agason on the Campus Cycle focuses on the achievements and contributions of black inventors, athletes, community organizers, soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts to cycling.

In addition, through his photography journey, he highlights how the black community has used bicycles from the late 1880s to the present.

Four cyclists are posing near the Alameda Avenue Bridge in Denver, Colorado (1905).

Black inventor

From panniers to tricycles, the black inventor of the late 1800s made a huge contribution to cycling.

Clockwise from top: In 1899, Jerry M. Sargent, a black inventor in Tampa, Florida, created the first quick-release parcel carrier (now known as Panier). The tricycle was invented by MACherry (bottom right photo) in 1888. Cherry has also improved the design of Velocipede, an early pedalless version of modern bicycles.

Although not the first to invent a bicycle frame, Isaac R. Johnson (bottom left photo) was the first black man to invent and patent a bicycle frame in 1899.

Black soldier

After the Civil War, the US military formed several black infantry units commonly known as “Buffalo Soldiers.” This included the creation of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Unit, which was tasked with cycling 1,900 miles from Montana to Missouri.

Some European troops have already established the value of bicycles for reconnaissance and courier services, but the United States has fallen behind.

The U.S. Army did not attempt an official experiment with bicycle transport until it was assigned a mission to the 25th Infantry Regiment in 1896.

In the summer of 1897, the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps began trekking 1900 miles to St. Louis on a single-speed bike from the Spaulding Bicycle Company. The bike was the most modern one available, but with gear and consumables, it weighed about 60 pounds. In addition, each rider carried a 10-pound rifle and 50 rounds of ammunition.

The 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps has completed some of the country’s most rugged terrain by bicycle and completed the longest military bicycle training in US history.

Bicycle for work and fun

By the 20th century, bicycles provided ample travel opportunities for work and play.

From top left: Five female cyclists (1928) on an unprecedented ride from New York to Washington, DC. Cleveland Call and Post Newsboys (1935); a young woman and her bike in 1901 on Cheryl Island, NJ. James Austin Sanders became Plainfield, the first black police officer in New Jersey in 1891, and was a member of the ministry’s bicycle unit until his retirement in 1917. From bottom left: A child riding a tricycle in the 1930s. Denver cyclists pause to take pictures in 1905. Kitty Knox bicycle racer and the first black man to be accepted by the American Wheelman League (1893). A young cyclist in the Five Points district of Denver (1930s).

Bicycles for athletes and activists

From the 20th century to the 21st century, bicycles were used by athletes and activists as a means of empowerment.

From top left: Nelson “Cheetah” Bailes won the first black medal in cycling at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Participant in Young Bike 4 Life Peace Ride in Oakland, California (2010). Talib Kweli (2021) in Austin, Texas, activist and organizer of the Black History Ride. Left-to-center column: Young former Secretary of State Colin Powell (1950s) on board the Bronx in New York. Ayesha McGowan, the first black female professional cyclist (2021). Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. rides on Long Island, New York (1967). From top left: Nelson “Cheetah” Bailes won the first black medal in cycling at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Participant in Young Bike 4 Life Peace Ride in Oakland, California (2010). Talib Kweli (2021) in Austin, Texas, activist and organizer of the Black History Ride. Left-to-center column: Young former Secretary of State Colin Powell (1950s) on board the Bronx in New York. Ayesha McGowan, the first black female professional cyclist (2021). Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. rides on Long Island, New York (1967).

Celebrity going by bicycle

Bicycles continue to be the source of transportation and recreation for modern celebrities.

Draw clockwise from above: Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Sasha Obama. Tennis star Serena Williams often took pictures on her bike with her dog. Comedian and avid cyclist Kevin Hart and his son mountain bike. Actor Don Cheadle is commuting to work.

Community corner

The Black Girls Do Bike (BGDB) has nearly 100 branches nationwide and promotes cycling among women of different colors who share a passion for cycling.

BGDB supports efforts to introduce the joy of cycling to all women, especially women and girls of color.You can find the chapter of Denver here..

https://ift.tt/0hdbAaJ Painting history of black cyclists; inventors, athletes, leaders, etc.

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