Black Girl Magic On Bikes

Cycling has struggled to rid itself of the racism and sexism that makes it a tragically exclusive mode of transportation, but Black Girls Do Bike is riding to change that one pedal stroke at a time. Founded nearly a decade ago in Pittsburgh, Black Girls Do Bike has grown to over 100 chapters across the U.S. by connecting women, and Black women in particular, interested in biking as a form of transportation, recreation, and competition. “As I was biking, I realized that no one really looked like me in those groups I was going out biking with; there were not very many women, there were not many women of color,” Chyri McLain-Jackson, founder of the BGDB Indianapolis Chapter told the Indy Star.

Myriad levels of systemic racism have combined to put Black people at increased risk for numerous health conditions, and cyclists of color face additional barriers, including racist urban planning threats from the police. BGDB, however, is creating an inclusive space where no cyclist is (literally) left behind. “We’re here, we are Black Girls Do Bike, we are Black girl magic,” Jackie Elliott told the Indianapolis group.

Republished from Nexus Media.

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“Our interest is in growing and supporting a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. We champion efforts to introduce the joy of cycling to all women, but especially, women and girls of color.

“We are establishing a comfortable place where lady cyclists can support, advise, organize rides and promote skill-sharing. We hope to demystify cycling and be a liaison to help usher new riders past barriers to entry and into the larger cycling community. We rejoice when women choose cycling as a tool for function, fitness, freedom, and fun!

“We look to share positive images of ladies and their bikes to affirm the truth that black girls do indeed bike!   We encourage bike advocacy, education, volunteerism and safety in all communities and corners of the world.”

Sources: Indianapolis Star, NewsOne