{"id":180726,"date":"2020-12-04T09:45:51","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T09:45:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=180726"},"modified":"2020-12-04T09:39:44","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T09:39:44","slug":"5-ways-the-cycling-community-came-together-in-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2020\/12\/04\/5-ways-the-cycling-community-came-together-in-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways the Cycling Community Came Together in 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

This wild rollercoaster of a year is finally drawing to a close. Looking back on the past 12 months, most of us feel a bit baffled at how much (and how little) has happened since we optimistically rang in 2020 as the start of a new year. There has been a great deal of devastation, anxiety, and lamenting the loss of a way of living that many took for granted. To be sure, this will be a year that many will look back on with a heavy heart. There are usually a few bright spots to be found amidst the darkness though, and when it comes to cycling\u2014there\u2019s no arguing with the fact that 2020 featured many instances of the cycling community coming together in beautiful and inspiring ways.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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With more people riding bikes than ever before, and cyclists appreciating the freedom of their sport in the deepest and most profound sense, it is worth celebrating just a few of the times the cycling community demonstrated solidarity and strength in the face of challenge and uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Social distance cycling communities brightened our online spaces<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Friends<\/a>
If we cannot support each other offline, we can always do it online. \u00a9 Alamy \/ Alamy \/ Profimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A phrase that most of us had probably never spoken before March 2020, \u201csocial distance\u201d quickly became a cornerstone of our lives and interactions. A troubling and lonely reality ensued for many, and yet\u2014human beings promptly rose to the occasion, proving just how adaptable and resilient we are. One such iteration of this irrepressible spirit was the Social Distance Cycling Club<\/a> (and other similar groups). As soon as we were told we needed to stay away from one another, online communities blossomed to help fill the void and let people know they were not alone. If you haven\u2019t joined a cycling community like this, it is not too late. These online spaces are a wonderful way to find inspiration, humour, and support.<\/p>\n

Cycling acknowledged its diversity problem and promised to do better<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Beyond the pandemic, 2020 brought another crucial event that would reshape the world around us. The killing of George Floyd and the subsequent uprising prompted a serious reckoning in virtually all facets of society\u2014cycling community included. In response to the events, many teams, organisations, and governing bodies stepped up to the plate to discuss what they could do to support Black Lives Matter and work towards more meaningful representation in cycling.<\/p>\n

Initiatives like bike-specific demonstrations brought thousands of cyclists together in solidarity and organisations like USA Cycling and Trek Bikes put their commitment to equality in writing. We saw a proliferation of new programs to promote diversity, including plans that will require all staff members to undergo diversity and inclusion training. Most recently, The Black Cyclists Network was formed to encourage individuals from minority backgrounds to become involved in cycling, and they are organising a series of races, in addition to a training camp in the spring in Malaga, Spain. Of course, we all have a role to play in changing the face of cycling, and we look forward to seeing riders from a more diverse array of backgrounds taking up our beloved sport in the years to come.<\/p>\n

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We created BCN to challenge the status quo and show riders that look like us, that there is a community for them. This project is going to amplify the excellent work we have been doing.<\/p>\n

Every Little Helps \ud83d\udda4\u270a\ud83c\udfff<\/p>\n

Support the Black Cyclists Network Race Team https:\/\/t.co\/4kTxw6JB2m<\/a><\/p>\n

— Black Cyclists Network (@BCNtweet) June 17, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n