The League of Michigan Bicyclists is excited to share a long-awaited victory with our friends at Major Taylor Michigan Cycling Advocacy (MTMCA): Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially proclaimed September 15 as “Major Taylor Day,” — making Michigan the first state in the nation to officially honor cycling legend Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor.

As the first Black world champion cyclist and a civil rights pioneer, Major Taylor broke barriers at a time when racial discrimination severely limited opportunities for Black athletes. Despite immense adversity, he dominated his sport, set world records, and became a global icon of perseverance and excellence. His story continues to inspire riders of all backgrounds, especially here in Michigan, where a vibrant cycling community carries his legacy forward.

For LMB, Major Taylor’s life is a reminder that equity, representation, and inclusion aren’t just history lessons — they are roadmaps for the future we’re building together. We believe bicycling should be safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. That’s why LMB is proud to support this effort alongside the leadership of Marco Speeks — Founder & Executive Director of MTMCA, LMB Board Member, and certified League Cycling Instructor — and voice our support as he led the charge to bring this proclamation to life. MTMCA’s leadership set the pace, and Michigan is stronger for it.

Through our advocacy, education, and community engagement, we see firsthand how important it is to honor pioneers like Major Taylor, who not only transformed cycling but also pushed for greater equity in athletics. Together with MTMCA and partners across the state, we’ll continue working toward a safer and more inclusive future for every rider in Michigan.

How you can celebrate Major Taylor’s legacy on Monday:
🚴 Ride your bike instead of driving when you can
📸 Share your rides + reflections using #MajorTaylorDay
🤝 Support hardworking orgs like LMB and MTMCA that push for safer, more inclusive bicycling in Michigan

And this is only the beginning. With the proclamation in place, Michigan’s very first Major Taylor Day can grow into a tradition that inspires cyclists and communities across the state for years to come. We look forward to celebrating it annually and watching the impact grow.

👉 View the press release here.
👉 Learn more about Major Taylor at mtmca.org.

Categorised in: Advocacy, Uncategorized