Major Taylor Trail Keepers was founded in 2017 by Brenda Dixon as the Community Neighborhood Improvement Project (CNIP) that sought to improve the Major Taylor Trail. By 2019, we became known as the Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago, with Brenda as President and Chief Executive Officer and a board that includes some of the earliest advocates for the Major Taylor Trail. (You can hear Keith Holt and board member Peter Taylor talk about the trail’s history on episode 3 of our 2024 CAN TV program).
We also expanded the board to include community leaders and cyclists. As a public non-profit, the organization was finally able to receive grants that allowed them to commence its mission. We’re grateful to Active Transportation Alliance for serving as our fiscal sponsor when we started.
Mission
Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago (MTTKC) is an Illinois not-for-profit community organization created to improve the lives of individuals and families residing in historically underserved neighborhoods by working to make their environment and communities of residence a place that is a fun, healthy, and safe place to live, work, and play.
Vision
Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago is a champion for collaborating with city, county, and State affiliates and other like-minded organizations to increase public awareness and understanding of community issues with an emphasis on public art, transportation, parks, recreation, and economic development in communities that have historically been underserved.
Our work goes beyond trail cleanups and infrastructure. We activate the Major Taylor Trail as a living, public humanities platform that connects people through shared stories, cultural history, and collective healing. We uplift the legacy of Marshall “Major” Taylor, a world champion Black cyclist and symbol of resilience, to reclaim green space as a source of joy, reflection, and justice.
Through community storytelling events, youth engagement, justice-oriented cycling programs, and partnerships rooted in equity, we use the trail to honor the past and reimagine the future — where all residents have the opportunity to move safely, feel connected, and shape the identity of their neighborhoods.
Thank you
We recognize the support and connection of the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago, whose mission and members overlap with ours and for their longstanding support of the Major Taylor Trail.
Board Members
Dr. Brenda M. Dixon
Dr. Brenda M. Dixon is the Founding Board Member and current President & CEO of Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago, as well as Vice President of Friends of the Major Taylor Trail. A lifelong educator with over 30 years of leadership in pblic education and community engagement, she leads efforts to transform the trail into a hub for cultural celebration, youth development, and environmental justice.
Peter Taylor
Peter is the Vice President of Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago as well as President of Friends of the Major Taylor Trail, bringing deep expertise in non-profit leadership, organizational strategy, and community development. His commitment to environmental justice and cycling equity supports the organization’s mission to activate and steward the Major Taylor Trail for all the communities it serves.
James McCoy
James is the Treasurer of Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago and brings extensive financial experience and a deep commitment to community service following his recent retirement. He helps ensure the organization’s financial integrity while advancing its mission of active transportation and community engagement.
A.J. Arrington, Jr.
Anthony is the Board Secretary for Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago who leverages his background in business operations and logistics to support board communications and internal processes. His dedication to the organization’s mission is deeply rooted in family and community legacy.
Dr. Ed Dixon
Dr. Ed Dixon is a Board Member for Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago and brings expertise in public health and leadership following his retirement from DeVry University. He supports the organization’s health and wellness initiatives that are central to the trail’s community programs.
Randy Neufeld
Randy is a Board Member for Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago and the founding Executive Director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation (now Active Transportation Alliance), where he led efforts to expand sustainable transportation across the region. With a career spanning decades, including directing the global SRAM Cycling Fund, his leadership has shaped urban mobility and active transportation policies nationwide.
Dominique C. Arrington
Dominique is a Board Member for Major Taylor Trail Keepers Chicago.
Major Taylor Trail Keepers and Friends of the Major Taylor Trail: Celebration Awards
Each year since 2018 we plan a community celebration ride along the Major Taylor Trail. Part of this annual event is recognition of individuals who have made a significant impact on the trail. Here’s a list of our awardees since the Trail Keepers began holding annual celebration rides.
Major Taylor Trail Celebration Award Winners
2018 MTT Celebration awards
This was our 1st year and no community awards were given.
2019 MTT Celebration awards
Peter Taylor
Anne Alt
Dr. Ed Dixon
Jae Rockwell
Bernard Lyles
Garret and Gavin Jones
2020 MTT Celebration awards
No awards or celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021 (MTT Celebration was rained out and presented at the 2022 celebration)
Terrance L Lyles
Alan Brazil
Luann Hamilton
2022 MTT Celebration awards
Terrance L Lyles
Alan Brazil
Luann Hamilton
2023 MTT Celebration awards
Keith Holt
Southside Critical Mass Initiative (Ojie Murch and Danilee McKinney)
2024 MTT Celebration awards
Jason Ward
Sabrina Stewart
2025 MTT Celebration awards
Stay tuned!