Kittie Knox
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October 7, 1874
Kittie Knox | |
|---|---|
 Kittie Knox and bicycle | |
| Born | Katherine Towle Knox October 7, 1874 |
| Died | October 11, 1900 (aged 26) |
| Occupation | seamstress |
| Organization | League of American Wheelmen |
| Known for | cyclist |
Katherine Towle Knox (October 7, 1874 – October 11, 1900) was a bicycle racer and the first African American to be accepted into the League of American Wheelmen (LAW).[1]
Knox joined LAW in 1893 at a time when few women were members.[1][2] The organization changed their constitution to only allow white members in 1894. In 1895 the organization clarified that constitutional changes were not retroactive, and Knox's membership in the group was no longer questioned.[3] Knox persisted in racing despite sometimes being denied access to races as well as service by restaurants and hotels while traveling.[1] She was a strong rider, participating in and completing several century rides.[4] Knox was known both for her cycling ability, taking first place in a LAW meeting Waltham, Massachusetts, as well as her fashionable cycling outfits.[5] During this time, women were expected to wear long skirts when engaging in physical activity. However, Kittie Knox defied gender norms by wearing baggy trousers when cycling. [6] Unlike her male counterparts, much attention was given to her appearance and wardrobe.[1] The media often paid more attention to her looks than to her abilities as a cyclist. [1]