The Major Taylor Project’s record-shattering launch in Tacoma

Funds raised from the first annual Ride for Major Taylor on Saturday, April 18, helped make the expansion in Tacoma possible.

On Thursday, April 16, the Major Taylor Project kicked off the Spring season of after-school Urban Cycling Club at Lincoln High School in Tacoma. This much-anticipated collaboration between the Cascade Bicycle Club, Group Health, Lincoln High School and the City of Tacoma exceeded attendance expectations twice over; a smashing total of 65 students signed up to ride!

Although student turnout was much greater than expected, the new MTP Tacoma team was ready and rose to the challenge. To accommodate 60+ students with a fleet of 21 bikes, Leon Ettelson, the head Ride Leader at Lincoln, has stepped up to teach and lead rides every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, each to a different group of students. Leon is working closely with TJ Purdy, the Instructional Coach at Lincoln High School.

In addition, an impressive 13 of TJ’s Tacoma School District colleagues and a handful of community members have offered their time as volunteer ride support. All of these folks have combined to accommodate this record-breaking student turnout!

This launch wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Group Health. Special thanks to everyone who was instrumental in making the Major Taylor Project a reality in Tacoma: Administrators Pat Erwin and Logic Amen at Lincoln High School, the Frank Russell Family Foundation, Diane Wiatr and Hannah Miner from the City’s Office of Environmental Policy & Sustainability.

We look forward to a fantastic riding season!