Events and Activities

April 25, 2023

"Biking While Black"
documentary film screening

Worcester, Mass.


Viewing the state of our streets as a public health crisis that disproportionately affects Black lives, the documentary "Biking While Black" looks at Black cyclists and BIPOC community organizations in Los Angeles who are paving new roads to tackle myths about bike riding, improve local conditions, and celebrate Black joy on two wheels. The film explores inclusion in outdoor activities, the making of safe streets, and avenues for mobility rooted in justice and equity.

Q&A/discussion with filmmaker Yolanda Davis-Overstreet followed the free Worcester screening April 25, 2023, at North High School. The moderator was David Fort, a health care consultant, former chairman of the Worcester Board of Health, and cyclist. The event was sponsored by Quinsigamond Community College and hosted by the Major Taylor Association with support from MassBike and community partners: Worcester NAACP, WalkBike Worcester, Worcester Earn-A-Bike, Worcester Majors, Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association, YWCA of Central Massachusetts, 508 Forever Young, Landry's Bicycles, and the Major Taylor Museum. The new Worcester Department of Transportation and Mobility also was represented at a reception with the filmmaker, hosted by The Village.

Topics raised during discussions with filmmaker Davis-Overstreet included:
  • How to improve safety conditions for cyclists and pedestrians before someone else gets killed.
  • How to build bridges between different types of cyclists, such as racing, recreational, utilitarian, youth, and e-bikers.
  • How to counter alarm about losing parking spaces when redesigning streets.
  • Gathering and using data to inform equitable decisions.
  • How to elevate residents' voices when other, powerful interests speak loudly.
  • Backlash such as bike lanes being viewed as a sign of gentrification.
  • Reactions to "wheelie kids" like 508 Bike Life.

  • Additional resources
    Related materials you can watch, read, and listen to

    In the news
  • Worcester film screening to discuss the realities of 'Biking While Black' (StreetsblogMASS)

  • In case you missed it:
  • Part 1 of "Biking While Black" (9 minutes) is on YouTube.
  • Part 2 (29 minutes) will be streamed during Filmed by Bike, a virtual film festival May 18-21, 2023, so you can watch from anywhere. Tickets are $13 for the Extended Play package of 10 films including "Biking While Black."



  • Instagram post



    More photos from the filmmaker's time in Worcester:

  • "It's going to take ALL OF US" / Instagram post
  • Worcester Black History Trail / Instagram post
  • WPI mobility justice people / Instagram post
  • Worcester reel / Instagram post





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