Last Year, the Bike Industry Promised Inclusivity. But Advocacy Allies Still Don't Get It

As we passed the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, I couldn’t help but wonder if Black Lives still matter to people who bike and the bicycle industry. Last year, I saw all sectors of our cycling world splash social media with images of Floyd’s face, black boxes, and hashtags, as they desperately tried to pander to my beautiful Black existence. These companies, clubs, and advocates pledged to change their normal course of business, be more inclusive, and center the experiences of Black people who bike. As I as saw these promises stacking up, I wondered what would happen in the bicycling world. In October, not quite a half year since Floyd’s death, the first hints of a change in bicycling came as the summer’s pandemic-induced bicycling boom continued to grow. Bicycle advocates saw a moment to make their work more impactful and help new converts to bicycling understand the importance of advocacy for safe streets. What remained unclear is whether this shift would center race. [View in Browser]( [Bicycling]( [SHOP]( [EXCLUSIVE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [Last Year, the Bike Industry Promised Inclusivity. But Advocacy Allies Still Don't Get It]( [Last Year, the Bike Industry Promised Inclusivity. But Advocacy Allies Still Don't Get It]( As we passed the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, I couldn’t help but wonder if Black Lives still matter to people who bike and the bicycle industry. Last year, I saw all sectors of our cycling world splash social media with images of Floyd’s face, black boxes, and hashtags, as they desperately tried to pander to my beautiful Black existence. These companies, clubs, and advocates pledged to change their normal course of business, be more inclusive, and center the experiences of Black people who bike. As I as saw these promises stacking up, I wondered what would happen in the bicycling world. In October, not quite a half year since Floyd’s death, the first hints of a change in bicycling came as the summer’s pandemic-induced bicycling boom continued to grow. Bicycle advocates saw a moment to make their work more impactful and help new converts to bicycling understand the importance of advocacy for safe streets. What remained unclear is whether this shift would center race. [Read More]( [Alternate text] [How Cycling Helps Him Manage CPTSD, Which He Developed as the Result of an Abusive Childhood]( [How Cycling Helps Him Manage CPTSD, Which He Developed as the Result of an Abusive Childhood]( “Cycling has given me the strength to endure and overcome the emotional hardships I have faced.” [Read More]( [Ditch the Minivan and Hop on One of These Best Cargo Bikes Instead]( [Ditch the Minivan and Hop on One of These Best Cargo Bikes Instead]( Strap your groceries, accessories, and offspring to these electrified haulers. [Read More]( [Alternate text] [Alternate text] [Scott sees the future of cross country bikes and it looks like the new Spark.]( [Scott sees the future of cross country bikes and it looks like the new Spark.]( The new Spark is as capable as a trail bike, without sacrificing cross country speed. [Read More]( [Alternate text] [This Fund Manager Told Investors He Was Acquiring De Rosa Bikes. Now, He Faces Criminal Charges]( [This Fund Manager Told Investors He Was Acquiring De Rosa Bikes. Now, He Faces Criminal Charges]( Sam Mancini of Outdoor Capital Partners was arrested and charged with securities fraud. Here’s what we know. [Read More]( [Alternate text] [Aventon Said Get On My Level; So We Did!]( [Aventon Said Get On My Level; So We Did!]( The Aventon Level is a fast, fun, and well balanced ebike for commuting or riding city streets [Read More]( [The Aventon Level is a Fast, Fun, and Well Balanced Ebike for Commuting or Riding City Streets]( [The Aventon Level is a Fast, Fun, and Well Balanced Ebike for Commuting or Riding City Streets]( The Aventon Level is a fast, fun, and well balanced ebike for commuting or riding city streets [Read More]( [Alternate text] [Alternate text] BICYCLING SHOP The Latest from the Bicycling Collection [Climb!: Conquer the Hills, Get Lean, and Elevate Every Ride]( [Climb!: Conquer the Hills, Get Lean, and Elevate Every Ride]( [Shop Now]( [Kettlehell: Full Body Burn Kettlebell Workouts]( [Kettlehell: Full Body Burn Kettlebell Workouts]( [Shop Now]( [Ride Lots T-Shirt]( [Ride Lots T-Shirt]( [Shop Now]( [Kettlehell Sweatpants]( [Kettlehell Sweatpants]( [Shop Now]( [Alternate text] [Build Your Best Body Ever in Your 40s and Beyond]( Follow Us [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Notice/Notice at Collection]( Bicycling.com ©2021 Hearst Magazines, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019