‘Too many people do not feel like they belong in our sport’: How British Cycling plans to close the diversity gap
The national governing body is taking steps to make the sport more welcoming
British Cycling has announced the steps it plans to take to making the sport a more welcoming place.
The national governing body for cycling is undertaking a long-term project to close the diversity gap, because “too many people from black and minority ethnic communities simply do not feel like they belong in our sport.”
With the aim of bringing more people from under-represented groups into cycling, British Cycling will be working with consultants from with diversity organisation Inclusive Employers.
The aim is to get more people from black and minority ethnic groups involved in racing, volunteering, recreation programmes and British Cycling’s own workforce.
British Cycling Business Services Director, Rod Findlay, said: “While we have made great strides as an organisation to tackle the gender gap in our sport in recent years, it remains the case that too many people from black and minority ethnic communities simply do not feel like they belong in our sport, and that is something which we simply must change.
“We are thankful to Inclusive Employers for their support up to this point, and we continue to make good progress on what will be the organisation’s first, long-term diversity strategy, which will be published before the end of this year.
“We cannot fulfil our ambition of becoming a great cycling nation unless our sport is truly reflective of Britain’s diverse communities, and I want to assure our members, workforce and cycling fans everywhere that this will be an integral part of all of our work in the months and years to come.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
BC plans to publish a diversity and inclusion framework in December, with the progress being overseen by an external and independent panel.
Anyone wishing to join the diversity panel can email info@britishcycling.org.uk.
An internal working group at British Cycling will also be set up to work alongside the executive leadership team to try and improve diversity in the workforce.
>>> Sports supplements: do you take them and what are your thoughts? Tell us in our survey
The steps being taken aim to improve diversity in all forms within cycling, from ethnic diversity to gender, disability and LGBTQ+ representation.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Lip service isn't good enough: here's what needs to change for cycling events to actually be inclusive
These are the key actions that make an event actually inclusive and do more than just lip service.
By Marley Blonsky Published
-
Ask a coach: ‘Should I cycle commute every day?’
The length of your commute is a major factor; but there are ways to adapt your routine to maximise on the gains of riding into work
By Alex Welburn Published
-
Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female Olympian, announces retirement
Kenny won five Olympic and seven world titles during her illustrious career on the track
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Former Ineos Grenadiers boss Rod Ellingworth becomes race director of Tour of Britain
"I feel a real responsibility to get this right," says Ellingworth about new role
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We'll have rounder wheels than everyone else' - Team GB confident in new Olympics tech
Updated Hope-Lotus bike won't feature until Paris, confirms performance director Stephen Park
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jody Cundy Q&A: 'Strictly Come Dancing made me a stronger cyclist'
The Paralympic legend tells Cycling Weekly about almost retiring in 2012, the time he borrowed a Porsche, and how dancing can make us all better cyclists
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘It’s a performance thing’ - why riders are eating Calippos and Greggs steak bakes to fuel gold medals
Forget expensive gels, the best race nutrition comes from corner shops
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Emily Bridges says British Cycling 'violated' her human rights over trans participation rule change
National federation blocked transgender riders from competing in its female event category last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Local authority collaboration key to reinvigorating domestic racing, British Cycling task force says
Ed Clancy, task force chair, says 16 recommendations are ‘realistic and attainable’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Extinction Rebellion protest Shell deal at British Cycling AGM
Group promises more action against governing body’s controversial Shell sponsorship
By Tom Davidson Published