Commitment to Diversity and Justice
Adventure Cycling Association believes in the power of bicycle travel to open minds and change the way the world explores. We envision a future where this organization draws staff, tour leaders, members, board members, and riders from the whole of our society.
For this to occur, bicycle travel has to be available for everyone. We acknowledge that systemic racism and sexism impact the ability of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ peoples to travel by bicycle safely. While the threat of injustice exists, it is unlikely that the vulnerability of traveling by bicycle through unfamiliar communities and cultures will feel safe and enjoyable.
We take ownership of the fact that Adventure Cycling is new to this conversation and that we have not shown up on these issues. As an organization, we have a lot of work to do to support, empower, and create safe spaces for underrepresented communities. We are taking action to build an equitable bicycling community and ask for support from our members and followers in our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
We are committed to listening to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized peoples and understanding the systems contributing to oppression while also working to provide more resources and support for these communities.
Our beginning steps focus on widening the experience of bike travel for all, including:
- We are enlisting BIPOC and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) consultants to help us evaluate our policies and review communications, routes, and educational resources.
- We have hired a staff member who is focused on internal DEIJ work, and have an active DEIJ working group.
- We are making connections with local communities and building partnerships with organizations and individuals from marginalized communities who want to inspire and empower others to bike travel.
- In our print and digital publications, we are sharing personal stories from riders who don’t typically get the spotlight but who are important mentors, leaders, and exemplars for our entire community.
- With our Bike Overnights program, we provide stipends to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized peoples to lead community workshops and tours for anyone curious about bicycle travel and weekend adventures.
We are driving toward a future where Adventure Cycling and our industry reflect a wider, more inclusive community of adventure cyclists. The Bike Overnights Initiative is one external starting point for equity, diversity, inclusion, and access. Over the next year, we are committed to advancing it across all of our programs, internally and externally, and sharing our progress as we become a better and more just organization.