Vintage photograph of the film's main character Kittie Knox standing with an old-fashioned bicycle, wearing period attire with a hat, in an urban setting.

an inspiring

documentary about

KITTIE

KNOX

Busting Through the Ordinary to Become Extraordinary

Fearlessly Pedaling Through Prejudice

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Fearlessly Pedaling Through Prejudice •

WATCH

THE TRAILER

For anyone interested in female empowerment, cycling history, and social justice

Abstract illustration of a stylized bicycle chain with blue and red colors.

THE FILM

Cycling with the Ghost of Kittie Knox is the electrifying story of an audacious, bi-racial cyclist who, defying the conventions of 1890s Boston, pedalled fearlessly through prejudice, breaking down societal barriers, redefining the sport of cycling for generations to come.

Who knew the racist barriers that Kittie broke through then would still need breaking through today?

I think the bicycle has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world.

“

Abstract illustration of a stylized bicycle chain with blue and red colors.

– Susan B. Anthony, American Social Reformer & Women's Rights Activist

A black and white engraving of women's rights activist Susan B. Anthony with her hair pulled back, wearing a buttoned dress with a lace collar and brooch, facing left.

YOUR CYCLING STORIES

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YOUR CYCLING STORIES ~

  • “Cycling has 100% changed my life. I’m stronger; I’m more centered; and I am ever so humbled by the experiences I have had on the bike. Keep pedaling good people!”

  • “I love to ride. It makes me feel ALIVE!”

MEET KITTIE

A Trailblazer – Literally

Kittie Knox, a fiercely determined African-American cyclist shattered conventions in 19th-century Boston.

She took the male-dominated cycling world by storm, riding 100 mile distances and challenging the status quo. No women rode as far or as fast back then, let alone a black woman. Kittie wore men’s clothing, not the traditional long skirts that women cyclists were wearing at the time and she rode a man’s bike. She fought bigotry protesting the League of American Wheelmen’s color bar in 1895 by refusing to step down as a member. Kittie's unyielding determination sparked a thrilling revolution for equality and inspired a generation of women to pedal fearlessly.  We will meet several of those women from across the U.S. who continue to pedal with The Ghost of Kittie Knox.

Vintage photograph of the film's main character Kittie Knox wearing puffed sleeve clothing, standing with one foot on a bicycle, outdoors.

WHY THIS FILM

NOW?

Abstract blue and red chain link design
Abstract illustration of a stylized bicycle chain with blue and red colors.
Abstract illustration of a stylized bicycle chain with blue and red colors.
Abstract illustration of a stylized bicycle chain with blue and red colors.
Abstract illustration of a stylized bicycle chain with blue and red colors.
Abstract illustration of a stylized bicycle chain with blue and red colors.

Just as there was a cycling boom in the 1900’s, there is one happening right now!

With the advent and affordability of e-bikes, more people of all ages are riding whether they’re 8 or 80. Health is always a concern and biking is a fun, easy, healthy sport. Cycling is a way to enjoy the outdoors whether pedaling solo or with friends and family.

STARS OF

THE FILM

Kittie’s legacy wheels on through three American female cyclists

One of the stars of the film wearing a cycling helmet with sunglasses and a headband that reads "Black Girls Do Bike 10 Years Strong," smiling while cycling.
One of the stars of the film wearing a white bicycle helmet and a pink cycling jersey with the text "Black Girls Do Bike." They are also wearing reflective sunglasses and smiling. The background features a decorative metal gate.
One of the stars of the film wearing a red cycling jersey and a helmet standing beside a bicycle on a bridge. In the background, a river with sailboats and a city skyline is visible.

  • (Photo 1) Kittie Knox is her role model. Though fairly new to cycling, Cadesha is courageous and excels at everything she tries in spite of the odds, just like Kittie Knox.

    “Whenever I cycle I have a smile on my face. I can go on a one minute bike ride or a ten mile bike ride and I feel this sense of I’ve done something. It’s an internal reward.”

  • (Photo 2) Gayle cycled the 1928 Legacy Tour in 2023. This tour honors the five inspiring black women who cycled 250 miles from Harlem to Washington, D.C.

    “Cycling has improved and enhanced my life… I’m going to ride until my body says I can’t.”

  • (Photo 3) Lives in Kittie’s hometown of Boston. She rides the 35-mile Kittie Knox Trail from Boston to Cambridge as often as possible.

    “I'm in love with cycling. I love it! Kittie Knox was a badass. She broke barriers for myself. She didn’t give into racism. Heck, there's racism going on today.I am who I am because of Kitty Knox.”

THE FILMMAKER

Nancy Rosenblum, Director, Producer, Editor

Nancy Rosenblum was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA.  She currently lives in B.C. and is a dual citizen. Nancy has been a professional filmmaker for over 30 years. A background in still photography laid the foundation for her astute visual style. Experience in news editing and producing gave rise to Rosenblum’s love of storytelling and curiosity about people. Whether shooting, directing, or editing, filmmaking has always been her preferred medium for expression.

Director Nancy Rosenblum wearing a white helmet and sunglasses, smiling outdoors with trees and a river in the background.
Director Nancy Rosenblum holding a bicycle, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, standing outdoors on a sunny day.

I have loved riding a bike ever since my dad taught me to ride a two-wheeler when I was 8 years old. Now at 70,  I am still passionate about riding. I’m a road cyclist and I love the challenge of a steep hill to climb! Cycling fills me with energy and positive feelings about the world and myself. It's a great way for me to have time to think. And a huge stress reducer. I can honestly say, CYCLING HAS SAVED MY LIFE!

“

– Nancy Rosenblum, Director of Cycling with the Ghost of Kittie Knox