“We Ride, We Vote”: Pragmatism Fuels Greensboro Cycling Club’s Approach to the Polls
GREENSBORO, NC — Cyclists took to the streets of Greensboro in a spirited 20-mile ride called “We Ride, We Vote,” aiming to amplify voting power in the community this fall.
“We don’t endorse a particular candidate, but we do encourage people to educate themselves on issues that matter to them,” said Stefenee Richardson, treasurer of the Major Taylor Cycling Club North Carolina (MTCCNC).
The ride began at Bessemer Elementary School and included a tour of areas affected by gerrymandering, such as North Carolina A&T State University, the nation’s largest historically Black university, which was previously split into two congressional districts to dilute Democratic votes.
Following the Greensboro ride, the cycling club took “We Ride, We Vote” to Raleigh on September 15.
“With our group, cycling is important to us. Getting out on the road and returning home safe is important,” Stefenee Richardson added.
Jeannette Richardson and James Davis founded the MTCCNC in 2021 to bring people together outdoors during the pandemic. The inaugural “We Ride, We Vote” took place in 2022. Tragically, on June 7, 2023, Davis was struck by a motorist while cycling with a group, leading to his death two days later due to head trauma.
“This highlights the importance of cyclists participating in local elections and building relationships with their local officials, so they understand the necessity of safe roads for riding,” Stefanee Richardson stated.
Davis also established the Major Taylor Cycling Club in South Carolina.
According to Mikalya Massey, the Triad regional coordinator for the North Carolina Black Alliance, understanding an individual’s motivations and engaging with people in comfortable settings are crucial for mobilizing voters. She and teammates Taron Lilly and Tramaine Davis supported the event with voter engagement resources.
“Meeting people where they’re at is incredibly important,” Massey said. “Accessibility of information is key, especially for Black voters. It’s about communicating in a way that resonates with people and addressing the issues they care about.”
Before the ride, Massey discussed various issues, including voting rights and public education, highlighting the large number of Title I schools in Guilford County that serve low-income students. These schools stand to gain millions in settlement funds from the Leandro v. State of North Carolina case, which affirmed that every child in the state has the constitutional right to a sound, basic education.
Massey noted that candidates on election ballots significantly impact public education, underscoring the importance of voting.
The MTCCNC is named after the late Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor, who became the world cycling champion in 1899. Despite his success, he faced racial segregation that tarnished his achievements.
“We ride in his honor and strive to live the life he was denied,” Stefanee Richardson expressed. “While many feel disheartened by the state of the country, it’s crucial to maintain pride and exercise our right to vote.”
The MTCCNC welcomes both novice and experienced cyclists. More information about the club can be found at majortaylorccnc.org and on Facebook.
Photos courtesy of MTCCNC