PARTNERING TO GET THE JOB DONE
Adventure Cycling Association has signed a memorandum of understanding with The University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health (CMH), in 2004 in order to create the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. In addition to identifying the route and developing a set of maps describing it, an assortment of history- and health-related projects related to the route have developed including: self contained and supported tours, public and press gatherings during the tours, a television special entitled “Biking Through Black History” produced by WPXI in Pittsburgh, the Ripley Day Trip map, the Pittsburgh Spur map and much more.

CMH'S MISSION
The Center for Minority Health, established in 1994, through a grant from the R.K. Mellon Foundation, is located in the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. The CMH is dedicated to the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities in chronic, preventable diseases by the year 2010. The Center focuses on community-based interventions as the primary means to empower people to take charge of their health. In 2001, the National Institutes of Health recognized the CMH as a national center of excellence in community outreach, research, and training to eliminate health disparities with a $6 million dollar, five year grant. The CMH has an impressive track record of creating effective community-based programs promoting healthy lifestyles among minority groups.

By the year 2010, 30 percent of the US adult population should be engaged in regular, moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1997, only 15 percent of the population had reached the goal (DHHS 2000). Lack of physical activity is a risk factor in several leading causes of preventable illness and death such as diabetes and heart disease. While 20 percent of the US population has diabetes, Blacks are two to three times more likely to develop the disease compared to whites (CDC, 2004).

TAILORING THE MESSAGE
"The challenge to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities requires implementation of interventions that are scientifically sound and culturally appropriate," said Dr. Stephen B. Thomas, CMH Director and Philip Hallen Professor of Community Health and Social Justice at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health.

Cycling is an excellent way to meet the national recommendation for physical activity. Unfortunately, far too few African Americans have embraced the recreational cycling movement; cycling organizations must increase their outreach efforts to minority communities.

"Throughout history, black people have used bicycles as a mode of transportation. Today we must promote physical activity within the cultural context of African American history, including the struggle to freedom from slavery. The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route demonstrates how to use cultural tailoring designed to get people moving," said Thomas. "We are very excited about our partnership with Adventure Cycling and the contributions we can make together toward the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities."

"We're enthusiastic about this opportunity to get more Americans bicycling for health, fitness, and self-discovery," said Carla Majernik, Adventure Cycling's Routes and Mapping Director. "Collaborating with such an esteemed research and education entity as the Center for Minority Health will help generate new excitement for bike touring among people who have yet to try this wondrous mode of travel."

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT
We've set up an Underground Railroad Forum in our Forums Department. Anyone can ask questions, tell stories, or find out the latest. You can subscribe to the forum for all the updates.

Our forums are a platform where viewers can discuss trips, bounce ideas, chat about gear or transportation issues, and learn from other experienced bicycle travelers. Adventure Cycling membership is not required, but you'll still have to click the 'join' button to get signed in.

All our updates will be posted to our Underground Railroad forum.