Bicycling Magazine in the USA covered the second edition of Diversity In Cycling from an American perspective. Has Cycling Improved Its Diversity Problem? It is too soon to say, but a lot has happened since the first edition in 2019, and especially since 2020. The change is being driven my grassroots clubs, groups, and activists – many are new to cycling themselves. Governing bodies, pro teams and the top levels of the sport still have a great deal of catching up to do, and are moving more slowly. There is still a long way to go.
Bill Strickland and the team at Bicycling Magazine have proven themselves to be one of the most progressive players in the cycling media. Equality, diversity, and inclusion must stay on the agenda.
Here is an excerpt:
Women are more seen in 2022—but more work is needed
In the UK, Black and Muslim women in particular are starting to find more of a place in cycling—but many of the women surveyed noted that outside of women-specific groups, they felt that sexism and misogyny were still prevalent in the cycling culture. The report begins with Shirla Poole’s story of searching for a cycling club where she felt a sense of belonging. She eventually found women’s groups, including a more diverse group with LIV Camden, and also discovered RideFest, a group of Black cyclists.
Poole notes that joining multiple groups has been necessary for her progression in cycling: “Someone told me it is unusual in cycling for one person to be in so many clubs at the same time, but I would say I take what I need from the different groups to progress.”
To read the full article, click here.
Picture: LordKinzo.Cycling