Diversity In Cycling
Diversity In Cycling
- Explores experiences of cyclists from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and addressing barriers.
- Highlights the importance of representation, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity in cycling communities.
- Showcases initiatives and groups promoting diversity, including programs for Muslim women and youth from under-represented communities.
- Provides recommendations for cycling clubs, media, and organizations to promote diversity and create welcoming environments.
Diversity In Cycling
@andyedwards4 months ago
DIVERSITY IN CYCLING DIVERSITY IN CYCLING SECOND EDITION
ANDY EDWARDS FOREWORD BY ANEELA MCKENNA
COMMENTARY BY SHIRLA POOLE, RONN FRASER, FAROOQ CHAUDHRY, NAOMI RUMBLE, FOZIA NASEEM, NASIMA SIDDIQUI, RICHARD LISTON AND SAM RUDDOCK
' THE UCI ARE TRYING TO MAKE CYCLING A MORE GLOBAL SPORT; BUT TO BE MORE GLOBAL THE SPORT HAS TO BE MORE OPEN AND DIVERSE.'
MAURICE BURTON - OWNER OF DE VER CYCLES AND FORMER PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST.
For Harry Edwards (Dad) Duncan Horsfall - Nelson Wheelers CC Stephen Horsfall - Nelson Wheelers CC Darren Ridehalgh - VC Bradford Dave Briand - Leek Cyclists' Club Kev Sharrock - Leek Cyclists' Club Maria Thompson - Kingston Wheelers CC Rachel Hillier - cyclist and friend to so many ... gone but not forgotten, grateful for the journey
CONTENTS
Diversity In Cycling - second edition. First published in 2019. This edition published in 2022. Andy Edwards Foreword by Aneela McKenna. Commentary by Shirla Poole, Ronn Fraser, Farooq Chaudhry, Naomi Rumble, Fozia Naseem, Nasima Siddiqui, Richard Liston and Sam Ruddock.
Design by Dave Ladkin, meaninfulldesign.co.uk
Copyright © 2019 and © 2022 Andrew Edwards. All rights reserved. Diversity In Cycling is intended to be shared in its entirety. Please share the downloadable links as freely as you wish, but if you want to use excerpts or quotes, please ask permission and give credit.
This edition and the first edition of Diversity In Cycling were independently written and produced by the author working in collaboration with individuals within the cycling community on an entirely pro bona basis. Neither British Cycling nor any other governing body, commercial organisation, or brand paid for or influenced its contents. The author is grateful to British Cycling and others for supporting this work.
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FOREWORD
ANEELA MCKENNA
Never has there been a more exciting time to celebrate diversity in cycling.
It took a tragic event, the death of George Floyd to get the world to wake up. Cycling opened its eyes to the lack of diversity in our sport and recognised that we need to do more. There is a fundamental problem why people of colour are not equally represented in the sport and we need to ask ourselves why?
If we truly want to be a cycling nation then we must reflect all of the UK's diverse communities and enable everyone to access the benefits that cycling bestows. Cycling brings us good mental health, self-confidence, keeps us fit, and builds a strong community spirit. It gives us a sense of belonging in life. Inclusive spaces are what we need to create and only when they are established can we truly say we are 'welcoming to all'. Everyone must feel they belong.
Since the first edition was published we have come a long way. There's a growing movement for change in the UK - we are hearing voices that are saying enough is enough. We're talking about the impact of racism in our communities. Cycling is part of this conversation too. We are sharing our stories and lived experiences to highlight the barriers in cycling but we must also challenge the traditions, behaviours, and attitudes that continue to reinforce the exclusivity of cycling.
This is an exciting but challenging time for us all. We must grab the opportunity to keep up the momentum, push on, working together with our allies, and learning from others that are being bold and saying no to racism.
I'm delighted to see the second edition come together. Andy Edwards has been campaigning hard for many years to diversify our sport.
Diversity In Cycling was a catalyst for change for British Cycling to elevate its position on this vital subject and make a strong and long-term commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. In 2021 they launched their first-ever Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy and we hope this will bring the change we want to see - moving the conversation into real, tangible, and effective action.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories. It is incredibly brave for all of you to step up and share your experiences but the impact of this is so powerful, thank you. We can only learn if we continue to call it out, to break the traditions of what has gone before.
Aneela McKenna is a partner, MTB guide and coach for Go Where Scotland, founder of Mòr Diversity, and Chair of British Cycling Diversity and Inclusion External Advisory Group.
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PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
Diversity In Cycling grew from an observation that more Black and Asian people were riding bikes, but cycling club membership, cycling brands, or the media did not reflect this. First published in 2019, the outcomes were revealing and the initial reactions encouraging.
The murder of George Floyd in 2020, during the global Covid-19 lockdown, forced the whole world to confront racism. Pro cycling teams and governing bodies, including British Cycling (who supported this project), failed to engage. The whiteness of cycling was exposed.
The Covid-19-related lockdowns prompted a massive increase in participation, especially amongst women and people of colour, both on the road and virtual Zwift rides that enabled a broader cross-section of people to connect with cycling and the cycling community around the world. While those at the top of the sport remained silent, grassroots cycling spoke loudly and demanded change. British Cycling subsequently announced its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy. USA Cycling is taking a similar approach, and pro teams and brands are beginning to do likewise.
This second edition builds on the work and content of the original publication with new commentaries and some amendments and refinements.
NO-BAME
The first edition introduced the term BAME, an acronym for Black and Minority Ethnic. It has never been an ideal term, but it did offer a starting point for such a white sport. The term lacks nuance and generalises too many varied lived experiences; othering people of colour, where white is the norm and non-white is the exception. The term minority is also considered problematic because it has negative connotations by making ethnic groups appear lesser. Sporting Equals explain more here.
Cycling is now learning how to become more inclusive, and part of any learning process is discarding that which no longer serves a purpose. Like removing stabilisers when learning to ride a bike, the time has now come to remove the term BAME .
What do we use instead? Specific language. We either use Black, Asian and other diverse communities in place of BAME or whatever description is most relevant, such as Black, Asian, South Asian, and East Asian. Terms such as 'ethnically diverse', 'diverse groups' or 'under-represented groups' also have a place.
NATIONAL AND GLOBAL CONTEXT
The first edition focused on London because even in a diverse city such as London, it was clear that cycling has a diversity problem. The core themes and recommendations had broader relevance across the UK, around the world, and across all branches of cycling, not just road cycling. This second edition reflects this broader context.
While many themes are universal, there are local variations. In a British context, Asian often means South Asian, but in North America typically means East Asian. The previously used BAME is a British term, while Americans tend to use BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), where Indigenous refers to Native Americans. There are significant differences in how race and racism play out in the UK and USA, but when it comes to cycling, there are many similarities and a shared sense of purpose. When American pro cyclist Justin Williams visited London, he received a warm welcome from the cycling community.
ANTIRACISM
The first edition did not reveal much overt racism, but there were many examples of microaggressions and othering. Racism within cycling has become more visible, but racism has always been there. As cycling becomes more diverse, it is also important to understand and practice antiracism. Racism has many forms, sometimes direct and sometimes far more subtle. The Further Reading section provides some helpful references, but keep searching for books and videos, especially on YouTube, to gain understanding.
INCLUSIVE GROUPS, INTERSECTIONALITY, MUSLIM WOMEN
The first edition focused on a small number of cycling groups as examples, but most were at a formative stage in their development. More groups have emerged in London, across the UK, and globally. Cycling clubs have always ebbed a flowed. Some split, some merge, some fall by the wayside; this is an ongoing dynamic within cycling. The more enlightened groups help each other along the way, collaborative competition.
The growth of cycling groups catering specifically to women or with women in leadership positions is especially pleasing. This second edition reflects this trend, with more commentaries from some exceptional women and a gender-balanced approach to the pictures and narrative. Muslim women are featured more prominently.
IN CYCLING
MORE DIVERSITY
Diversity and inclusion go beyond race, gender, and religion to encompass disability (including neurodiversity), age, sexual orientation, and gender identity amongst other factors. Building an inclusive ethos requires a sustained, multifaceted approach. The outcome must always be equality and justice for all.
This second edition retains a focus on race, gender, and religion (Islam) but also acknowledges diversity in a broader sense. However, other protected characteristics are touched on only lightly because otherwise, this document would lose focus. Readers are encouraged to explore as widely as possible or undertake their own additional work.
Since the first edition, I have been diagnosed with ADHD and Autism (two protected characteristics), which means I am neurodiverse. It has taken a lifetime for me to comprehend my own difference, and that goes some way towards explaining why a white guy would think to undertake a project like this in the first place. Better understanding ourselves goes hand-in-hand with appreciating the different lived experiences of those around us. If one thing drives this document, it is a desire that all of us who call ourselves cyclists, whatever our background, feel the same sense of belonging cycling has always given me.
Finally, the wonderful Chidi Onuoha, who had the most consequential impact of any individual in bringing the first edition to life, has collaborated in fine-tuning this second edition. As a seasoned sports communications professional and British Nigerian woman, we need more Chidi Onuohas in cycling. Please read the acknowledgments for a complete list of everyone who helped make this second edition a reality. I take responsibility for this project, but everyone who contributed deserves credit for helping bring it to life.
BLACK WOMEN TO THE FRONT
SHIRLA POOLE
I bought my first road bike in 2015 and started riding with my gym instructor and a couple of gym members, all black guys. The guys were too fast for me, so I looked for a local club, only to find pictures of white, middle-aged guys with no other person of colour and no other ladies. I persevered until I discovered Islington CC. They had a large ladies' group, one out of two wasn't bad (black and/ or ladies!), so I decided to join.
After I had joined ICC, I also joined LIV Camden, a ladies' cycling club, on an overseas trip to Amsterdam. I felt immediately comfortable and was pleased to see a diverse mix within the club, not just women of colour but also different nationalities.
My cycling progressed, I would ride most days, but I needed to train. Coach Watto's weekly training sessions for women in Regent's Park helped me progress. Watto invited me to take part in CC London's training camp in Calpe, Spain. It was my very first training camp. We rode on many of the same roads used by pro riders, and the climbs, especially, really tested me. The whole experience was awesome, and I made some great friends. On my return, I joined CC London.
Alongside being a member of Islington CC, LIV Camden, and CC London, I am also a member of RideFest, a group of likeminded black riders.
I first met RideFest on a trip to the Isle of Wight, taking part in a Randonee. RideFest openly welcomed me into the fold. This group was started in 2016 by a collective of black skiers and friends, who had a ski group called SkiFest. They came together to form a positive black cycling community. The group is quite chilled - easy on the testosterone, so we have a mix of 50/50 men and women, which is unusual in cycling. I have been a member since 2017. Cycling YouTuber Francis Cade featured us in one of his videos which you can watch here.
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. My journey has involved a range of activities and experiences, and I have made many new friends along the way. It is important to be open.
GETTING STARTED
RONN FRASER
Andy and I are members of Kingston Wheelers, and he first contacted me about Diversity In Cycling at a very early stage. There had been a discussion in a committee meeting about the lack of diversity within the club, and it was agreed that Andy would go and look into the issues more thoroughly.
I must admit that I was surprised that there was an approach; it always appeared to me that Kingston Wheelers was a friendly and open club. It never dawned on me that someone would reach out and ask probing questions on diversity. I had intended to respond, excited by the prospect of someone taking up the mantle to inspire change. But then I stopped.
I had met Andy at club events, but I didn't really know him. I was taken aback by a white guy I didn't know, albeit a very cool white guy, asking me to participate in a subject that could be deemed highly charged by our, on the surface, somewhat conservative club. This is a subject that runs deep and is part of my lived experience.
He followed up a few times. I didn't respond. I didn't want to appear as a maverick, and deep down I still don't. Should I voice my thoughts in a public arena and risk standing out as 'that guy' in the club? Who was I to rock the boat in the quaint, traditional atmosphere of beautiful downtown Kingston?
What won me over was Andy's persistence. He just got his head down and did the work. He saw something in me that I needed to get out and he never gave up. Reading it; shockingly honest, and seeing how much of himself Andy had given to a cause that could easily have bitten him. And, the surprising openness of the contributors, some of whom I knew personally.
The launch event at Look Mum No Hands blew me away; so many like-minded, rainbowcoloured bike riders in one room with the same belief. The last time I saw anywhere near that many people, who looked like me and were into bikes, I was fourteen and riding with my brother and our mates in Shepherds Bush. What was this? I couldn't stop smiling. I left the event absolutely buzzing!
My advice to clubs is, do not to be afraid to reach out to your members and the community to understand if the club reflects the diversity of the local community. I would advise that if deep down you know that change has to be made, then the hardest part is the first revolution, like pedalling. Prepare for a journey; change takes time, but the rewards are immense.
To people of colour, I would remind them of the fun we had as kids riding our bikes. It was our means of transport, a source of entertainment, and a uniting force without us knowing. It was our competition in riding the fastest and wheelieing the furthest. Swing a leg over a top tube (formally a crossbar), and we are there!
Diversity In Cycling is a must read. It is easy to digest and insightful.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
A variety of approaches are needed to encourage greater diversity in cycling. The recommendations below are not exhaustive, but offer practical suggestions.
PROMOTE VISIBILITY (BUT BE AUTHENTIC)
If your club has members from under-represented backgrounds, with their permission, include those members in any visual representation of club membership. This creates visibility; consider deploying ambassadors as a point of contact. Do not try to be something that you are not, but do promote your values: if you are open to all newcomers regardless of race and gender say so. We all have to start somewhere, but let's make a start.
PROMOTE ACCESSIBILITY
Mix up rides and start times. Not everyone can make 9am on a Sunday morning. Promote a range of options, from training rides to social rides to t-shirt rides. Provide context to cycling club culture, what it means to be in a club, to ride in a group and general dos and don'ts.
BE INCLUSIVE
Inclusion is essential to diversity . Make sure riders of all backgrounds feel included and visible, and that everyone feels part of one community with shared values. Work with other groups and the broader community to share knowledge and promote pathways.
BE INTERSECTIONAL
Prioritise race and gender together, and pay particular attention to how the two interact. Intersectionality sits at the heart of diversity and inclusion work. Women's membership of cycling organisations sits at roughly 15-20%, yet Black Unity Bike Ride were proactive and boosted women's participation from 20-25% in the first year to 46% in the second year.
TELL MORE THAN ONE STORY
Get to know riders from different backgrounds and promote many different stories. Go deeper and beyond the performative; social media likes and follows only take you so far.
Naomi Rumble tells us Black women come in all shapes and sizes, be sure to reflect that.
RAISE YOUR OWN RACIAL AWARENESS
Many white people are uncomfortable talking about race. That is because most of us are not equipped to have the conversation. Read, listen and learn. If one person stands out in a
group, be aware they may feel an extra level of intimidation than any other newcomer. Be sure that person feels welcome without overdoing it. Don't stare, smile and say hello!
CHANGE DISCOURSE: Be willing to challenge how your members talk about race and gender; this impacts how comfortable new members will feel.
BE ANTIRACIST
Educate yourself about what racism is, how to recognise it, and how to dismantle it. Start with the reading list, then find more references, then do the work.
CHALLENGE ALL FORMS OF PREJUDICE
Racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and disablism have no place in cycling. Be consistent while being inclusive. Diversity is not either / or. If confronting individuals, do so in a reasonable and proportionate manner. Try and offer solutions and a pathway for growth, but also know when to cut your losses.
MONITOR PROGRESS
Quantify your membership through capturing ethnicity data on joining/ renewal forms. Monitor progress over time. Larger clubs and organisations should certainly do this.
METHODOLOGY
The first edition of Diversity In Cycling considered the experiences of cyclists from Black, Asian, and other diverse communities who are engaging with the sport on a meaningful level and are prospective cycling club members. 'Meaningful level' means riding with a degree of sporting intent, including keeping fit, riding sportives, or racing.
Most contributors to the original questionnaire were of Black African, Black Caribbean, or South Asian heritage. Many Muslim riders also contributed. A significant number of contributors were of mixed heritage. Riders of East Asian, Arabic, and Persian backgrounds were less represented, although it is important to stress that riders from these backgrounds also experience racism and discrimination.
A combination of one-to-one meetings and an online survey of ten open-ended questions enabled contributors to share their experiences in their own words. More than sixty men and women contributed to a survey conducted between November 2018 and January 2019. This second edition draws on responses to an additional survey conducted in January 2020. Further one-to-ones between September 2021 and March 2022.
There is a range of experiences amongst respondents, and there will be experiences and perspectives not captured here. Nevertheless, with the help of contributors, great care has been taken to ensure the themes and recommendations are credible and robust. This project aims to help inform a conversation and serve as an agent for change.
