54 Miles of Remembrance

Athletes Unite for Historic Selma-Montgomery Anniversary Ride

On Feb. 22, 2025, cyclists gathered to commemorate one of the most pivotal moments in civil rights history by riding the 51-mile-long route from Selma to Montgomery. This cycling journey, following the footsteps of those who marched for voting rights in 1965, offers a unique perspective on both historical preservation and current infrastructure challenges.

Why Cycling This Route Matters

Biking this historic route provides a profound connection to the original march. At cycling speed, riders can fully absorb the landscape, contemplate the courage of the original marchers, and experience the physical challenge of the journey. Unlike traveling by car, cycling allows for a more intimate understanding of the distance and determination required by those who walked this path 60 years ago.

The current state of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a structure that became a symbol of both brutal oppression and ultimate triumph, raises important questions about infrastructure equity. Safe, accessible transportation infrastructure isn’t just about physical movement; it’s about economic opportunity, community connection, access to nature, and social justice. While the Edmund Pettus Bridge has become a powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, attracting annual pilgrimages from politicians and activists, Selma itself reveals a stark disconnect between symbolic recognition and substantive change. Despite its historical significance and regular visitors, the city continues to face economic challenges.

Commemoration vs. Community Investment: Bridging the Gap

Annual crossings of the bridge, while meaningful, have not translated into sustained economic development or improved quality of life for Selma’s residents. This reality challenged me to think deeper about how historical commemoration can be paired with long-term community investment.

The 60th anniversary bike ride from Selma to Montgomery, organized by the Montgomery Bike Club, offers an opportunity to engage with this history in a way that promotes both remembrance and action. The Selma to Montgomery Bike Ride represents more than just a recreational event or historical commemoration. It’s an opportunity to examine how we engage with civil rights history, how we maintain our public infrastructure, and how we can better align our symbolic gestures with substantive support for the communities that hold our history.

The route follows US Highway 80, which is now designated as the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. While most of the route has adequate shoulders, some sections require extra caution. By experiencing this route on two wheels—and enjoying the beautiful scenery and lovely conversations along the way—I better understood both the historical significance and the contemporary challenges facing communities that call the route home.

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The Montgomery Bike Club’s Role in Preservation and Advocacy

In preparation for this event, I spoke with Robert Traphan, the president of the Montgomery Bike Club, which has played a crucial role in preserving this historical route through cycling. The organization which has organized commemorative rides for both the 50th and 55th anniversaries is dedicated to doing work that extends beyond event planning, as they actively advocate for improved cycling infrastructure throughout the region. The club has worked closely with local officials to promote safe cycling routes and accessibility, understanding that bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is an essential component of equitable transportation.

Through their advocacy work, the club has helped secure several improvements to the route, including enhanced signage and shoulder maintenance. Their efforts demonstrate how recreational cycling organizations can contribute meaningfully to both historic preservation and contemporary infrastructure development. The club’s commitment to this commemorative ride helps ensure that people from across the country can experience this crucial piece of civil rights history while also promoting sustainable and accessible transportation options locally.

Alabama’s Landscape: A Cyclist’s Historical Journey

Alabama is an incredible place for cyclists and history enthusiasts of all levels and from all places. The state’s rich civil rights history, combined with its scenic rural landscapes and growing network of cycling routes, creates a unique opportunity for meaningful exploration. From the historic streets of Montgomery to the rolling hills of the Black Belt region, cyclists can experience both the weight of history and the beauty of the present moment. These journeys remind us that every mile pedaled is not just a distance covered, but a step toward understanding and preserving our shared heritage and culture.