USA Cycling has announced plans for two initiatives that further the organization’s commitment of championing efforts to get more kids on bikes, strengthen the development pipeline through collegiate cycling, and welcoming all riders to be a part of the future of American cycling. With the assistance of numerous partners and the oversight of the organization’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force, USA Cycling will champion the formation of two new programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Tribal Colleges & Universities in partnership with EF Pro Cycling and Cannondale, and launch Let’s Ride Camps for kids and families across the country.
“The programming USA Cycling has developed and is putting in place for new riders to get involved is a great start for a new future of American Cycling,” said Ashland Johnson, Esq. Founder, Inclusion Playbook & USA Cycling DEI Task Force Member. “It has been great to be working as a part of the Task Force and challenging USA Cycling to take the necessary steps to be thoughtful, impactful, and inclusive with their DEI actions.
Interested HBCUs and TCUs can get more information and apply to qualify for support from the organizations and partners of the USA Cycling Collegiate program by contacting Liz Kollar lkollar@usacycling.org.
“Our work has only just started and we are excited with these first steps towards achieving our mission of cycling as an inclusive sport that benefits from diversity in all ways,” said Kelsey Erickson, USA Cycling Executive Director of Athlete Health and Wellness and DEI Task Force lead. “The task force has been instrumental in guiding us and helping us recognize the opportunities - and responsibility - we have to help move the sport forward to a more inclusive future. We are honored and fortunate to have such a passionate, knowledgeable and committed group supporting our DEI efforts so they become not something we do, but a central component of who we are.”
In 2021, USA Cycling will work with affiliated coaches and clubs to produce Let’s Ride Camps across the country. These camps will be free and open to any child and family who wants to learn to ride safely and start their cycling journey. Five Let’s Ride Camps will be held in conjunction with USA Cycling National Championships (Pro Road, Amateur Road, Cyclocross, Mountain Bike, and Elite, Junior, and Para Track).
USA Cycling will work with coaches, clubs, shops and others to provide a ‘camp in a box’ that enables organizers to deliver the camps with all the necessary resources and support. The program will aim for 25% of the Camps to provide all necessary equipment that will be left behind in the local communities in order to provide ongoing access to bikes for those who would otherwise not have the opportunity to enjoy the sport we love.
Coaches, clubs, shops and organizations interested in hosting a USA Cycling Let’s Ride Camp in 2021 can send inquiries to coaches@usacycling.org.
“With the United States seeing more people taking to the bike during these times, we have an opportunity and responsibility to champion their development.” said Jim Miller, USA Cycling Chief of Sports Performance. “For the U.S. to have the very best athletes competing in future Olympic Games, including LA2028, we need to introduce cycling to more kids, engage with more clubs, get more colleges involved and build a bigger better pathway.”
USA Cycling membership and USA Cycling Foundation donations are critical to championing a better future for all of American cycling. Please consider becoming a member or making a donation to the Foundation.
