I've been on a personal journey these past 15 years, to where I currently sit within cycling. However, I'd consider myself lucky and frankly, I'd like to think that those that follow me, might have something more robust to rely on. I'm writing this piece to try and articulate the problem that underrepresented groups are facing in cycling to make some small difference.
Representation matters
The pathway into all sports, hell, all pursuits starts with the belief that you can personally succeed in it. Only then does said pursuit become viable to that individual and ultimately encourage that individual to strive towards that goal.
For a person to believe that they can do something, I believe they either have to see others achieve it before them or have the strength of will to pursue the achievement of something new, groundbreaking or revolutionary. Every visionary who has ever existed likely fell into that latter category, but not everyone can be a visionary and nor should they be expected to be.
For those who find themselves in the former group, inspiration is what drives the pursuit and this is why representation matters. Without relatable heroes for individuals to idolise, why would anybody step from their lane and try something new?
My Journey
Now firstly, I'm acutely aware that I am one small thread in an immense tapestry but I feel that cycling has a representation issue and my experience aside, it is wildly behind where sports like football are (racism aside!).
Here are some stats to put that statement into perspective.
- There is a total of 1 person of colour riding in the Cycling World Tour right now (2023)
- In 2022, 1 black rider hit the start line at the Tour de France, Biniam Girmay
- In 2023, there are three riders of colour in the entire British Cycling National squad
My journey won't be unfamiliar to many. I got into riding fairly late and my riding community was, and still is, completely devoid of other people of colour. While I've always been aware of that fact, I've never let it stop me as my connection to the sport brings me so much benefit and joy. However, I've also never looked to do anything about it, until now. It's the reason why I want this space to help foster an inclusive community that might give others like me a greater sense of representation on a social level.
I keep saying that my experience is atypical, and that's because, despite far below-average diversity in my local cycling community, I've been fortunate enough to carve my path in the cycling industry. I work in a senior position, for a progressive marketing agency and by extension fight against the statistics that are otherwise fairly woeful.
If you've made it this far, then you'll gather that this issue needs addressing as currently, the next generation of cyclists lack sufficient representation at the top of the sport and by association the senior positions in the industry itself.
But representation in cycling is not a quick fix. Those disappointing figures above are a result of - in the worst case - generations of racism and microaggression. And in the best case - a lack of viable pathways into the sport for people of colour throughout the world. Initiatives exist, communities are growing and some organisations are making brilliant strides in the right direction (I'll cover those a little later) but the scale is just not where it needs to be.
More and more, I see youngsters turning to social media, where admittedly representation is better, with individuals and communities doing wonders to offer even people like me, an encouraging view of a more diverse cycling culture. But more needs to be done at the root of the issue. Grassroots cycling needs support, it needs a targetted strategy to find, nurture and grow riders from diverse backgrounds and ultimately encourage improved diversity at the top of the sport.
So what do we do?
I'm no visionary, but I am passionate. Is passion enough to make real change in an issue that is generations old? Maybe not on its own, but through a combination of the passion of a collective of individuals, I think we can start to make a change. I hope Cycling Culture Club will be that collective, but I'm under no illusions that it will come easily.
But what can you do?
Encourage your peers - especially if they're a non-cyclist, it all starts with mobility
Join your local communities and contribute - who knows where it might lead
Support grassroots initiatives - those tackling diversity are often on shoestring budgets and will appreciate the support
Speak out about it. This is no longer a subject that can afford to be taboo, this is a conversation that needs having worldwide and loudly.
Special shoutouts
By no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few organisations doing wonderful things for diversity in their communities
Cycle Sisters
Legion of LA
Black Cyclist Network
Black Unity Bike Ride
Rapha - for the culture
Bikeisbest
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