OUR COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING RACIAL INJUSTICE: NEXT STEPS + ACTION PLAN

In early June we shared our first action plan to fight racial injustice both within the bike industry and at large. We know that bikes won’t solve racism in America, but we do know that in order to help solve the bigger issue, we can start with where we have the most influence. We identified a need to better communicate why this work is not only the right thing to do, but is also vital to the future of bike riding, the bike industry and bike advocacy.

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Fighting racial injustice connects to the very core of PeopleForBikes’ mission — to make biking better for everyone. The development of equitable access for all to safe bike networks that connect to jobs, education and other essential services can enhance opportunities, increase social and mobility justice and build better communities. Breaking down the barriers that prevent BIPOC from riding is a bigger challenge than just building safe places to ride. Sadly, for many, bike safety means more than just worrying about cars — it includes the fear of racial profiling, assault, or worse. Working with our partners on the federal level, in local government, the bike industry, bikeshare and transportation and recreation advocates, we have a wide reach. We can only all move forward when biking is made better for everyone.

DEFINING OUR TERMINOLOGY:

For the purpose of our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work we define “anti-racism” and “mobility justice” as follows:

Mobility Justice

For many people, systemic racism has created barriers and challenges for how they move around communities, public spaces and the world. We envision a world where all people have the freedom and resources to walk, bike, take transit and drive with dignity and respect. Mobility justice, at a local level, looks different for each community, but should be centered around people and grounded in providing access to services for everyone.

Anti-Racism

Anti-racism is defined as the work of actively opposing racism by advocating for changes in political, economic and social life. Anti-racism tends to be an individualized approach, and set up in opposition to individual racist behaviors and impacts.

—SOURCE: Race Forward

As part of our commitment to making progress today, tomorrow and into the future, we want to be transparent and update you on our work so far. Since our most recent update in August, we have organized our efforts around three main objectives: educate ourselves — staff, industry, advocacy and community, operationalize equity and amplify voices.

EDUCATE

OURSELVES

—STAFF, INDUSTRY, ADVOCACY + COMMUNITY

In order to create meaningful change within the bike industry and community, we must first cultivate our own understanding of the issues and challenges that exist.

OPERATIONALIZE

EQUITY

Since learning and listening is the first step toward equity, implementing changes in our organization, the bike industry and larger biking community based on that learning is the second.

AMPLIFY

VOICES

We are seeking to elevate and amplify the voices and actions of leaders of anti-racism and mobility justice work. We will also recognize when to use our influence to support their critical work.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE BIKING, AND THE WORLD, BETTER.

We will update you on our work quarterly. Thank you for supporting PeopleForBikes’ anti-racism and mobility justice work.