Why were you interested in being on the task force?

The reason I was interested in the task force was because it was well overdue, and I could see the urgency within DEI and I felt it was my obligation to give back and help change the narrative within our sport. I’ve been on both sides of the sport, as a racer and as a business owner. This new intuitive was highly needed. I’m excited to lend an ear, voice and be a part of positive change for the betterment of our sport and furthermore, our society.

What do you hope the Task Force will achieve?

The Task Force will achieve anything we put our minds to. The reality is, it's not rocket science. What the marginalized communities are crying out for is not farfetched, it's very attainable and the DEI Task Force, now that it is assembled, has the duty to cultivate those communities, bring them in, and make them feel welcomed. It's imperative we design, execute, and deliver on programs that help make our sport more colorful.

Why were you interested in being a member of the DEI Task Force?

I have both seen firsthand and experienced myself, the positive transformation that the bicycle can provide. Yes, there are the obvious fitness benefits, but the bike also provides the confidence, the maturity, the dedication, the passion, and the drive for all other parts of life.

What do you hope the Task Force will achieve?

​I am excited to see the DEI group put ideas into practice; to listen to what is needed, what is wanted, and to put it into motion.

Why is DEI Task Force at USA Cycling important to you?

Because it is a great opportunity to play a proactive role in helping shape and foster a better future for the sport of cycling - a chance to actually create change rather than just talk about it.

What do yo want to see come from the DEI Task Force?

Our mission - creating a diverse and inclusive sport.

Why were you interested in being a member of the DEI Task Force?

As an African-American cyclist, my goal is to create opportunities for cyclists who look like me. That's what Nelson Vails did for me, seeing him win silver in 1984 was my inspiration to enter my first bike race, I haven't stopped since.

What do you hope the Task Force will achieve?

Racial equity in the sport and recreation of cycling.

Biography:

Ed is Deputy Director of Bike Works, a Seattle based non-profit which promotes the bicycle as a vehicle for change to empower youth and build resilient communities. Ed has 31 years of marketing, sales, project development, strategic planning, and non-profit leadership experience. Ed has a passion for Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and has developed and implemented successful equity-focused programs initiatives that present community-minded solutions. In 2007, Ed co-founded and directed the Major Taylor Project, a year-round youth development cycling initiative focused on creating access and opportunities for Black and Brown youth in diverse and underserved communities. Ed believes in meeting challenges with an innovative and authentic visionary approach to inspire team members and community partners. Ed believes in strong community partnerships, building and promoting positive, authentic relationships, and leading with a collective voice.

Ed was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and developed a love for cycling through family bike trips and riding to work with his Dad. Ed started bike racing in 1983 and actively races today. After graduating from the College of St. Thomas in 1988, Ed moved to Seattle to begin his career.

Why were you interested in being part of this Task Force?

As someone who's been part of the cycling community for my entire life, and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to be part of this task force to help change the bike racing community to reflect the myriad of identities I see in my day-to-day life. I want this sport to embrace everyone and allow for more voices and perspectives to be heard.

What do you hope to see the Task Force achieve?

I hope that the task force can push USA Cycling to hear from more points of view from all over the cycling community, to push USA Cycling to be a place that's welcoming to everyone, and so that everyone can find a seat at the table.

Why were you interested in being part of this Task Force?

I want to help foster a culture in cycling that is so safe and inclusive for everyone that the only reason why someone might not participate is because they don't want to.

What do you hope to see the Task Force achieve?

I want cycling culture to be widely known for inclusivity, to have a reputation such that nobody questions whether they are welcome within any part of the scene.