It's no real secret that when you're a female or those of a diverse community out riding, 90% of those you encounter are going to be males. cycling is an overwhelmingly male-dominated sport we all know that although that is changing. But the question remains: is it changing fast enough?
Understanding the Gap in Cycling
The gender disparity in cycling is glaringly obvious. According to the data, women and those of the LGBT+ community constitute a small fraction of the cycling population. While the number of female cyclists and diversity is on the rise, we see it in the beautiful community that is cycling, the pace of change is sluggish though. Numerous factors contribute to this disparity, including safety concerns, lack of representation.
Lack of Representation
Representation matters, it really does. This lack of representation can be particularly discouraging for beginners who might feel out of place in a predominantly male environment, those who are part of the LGBT+ community also struggle with this. Seeing more of those we can relate too on bikes can inspire others to give cycling a try and help normalise the presence of women in the sport. We should be welcoming with open arms an guide those as we were once, after all, we have all been that beginner one time or another.
Where Do We Go from Here?
We want to help to address these issues and encourage more to start cycling, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. These are steps that we will put into practice and are already apart of our values.
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Increase Representation
- Support female and LGBT`+ cycling groups and events that provide a sense of community and belonging.
- Highlight and celebrate diverse cyclists in the media and on social platforms to create role models for aspiring cyclists.
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Create Inclusive Spaces
- Develop programs and workshops tailored to women, diverse and LGBT+ communities, addressing their specific concerns and needs.
- Foster a supportive environment where women feel encouraged and confident to ride.
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Policy and Advocacy
- Push for policies that prioritise cycling infrastructure and consider the unique needs of female cyclists.
- Engage with organisations and other cycling brands to promote cycling-friendly policies and initiatives. Its not just about us at the end of the day, theres a wider picture.
To sum it up Cycling has a problem. We know we're not going to fix it overnight, but we can contribute to its development and make it a better space for all. By addressing concerns, increasing representation, and improving infrastructure, we can create an environment where those can feel confident and excited to embrace cycling. It's a collective effort, and every step we take brings us closer to a more inclusive and diverse cycling community.
Encouraging more people to cycle is not just about closing the gap; it's about making the sport better for everyone. When cycling becomes more inclusive, everyone benefits. So let's move forward together and create a future where everyone feels they belong on a bike.
