Cycling industry amplifies ‘Black Lives Matter’ message

On May 25, an unarmed African American man named George Floyd died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests against racism and police brutality have erupted around the United States and the world, as Floyd’s case is not an isolated incident. In recent days, various bike industry brands and athletes have taken to social media to express their support of Floyd’s case, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the sentiment that racial injustice is unacceptable.

Here are a few examples:

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Bicycles should represent freedom. If all people can’t travel the streets safely without fear of discrimination and violence that freedom means nothing. SRAM believes in inclusivity. What happened to George Floyd was a horrible and tragic injustice. We know we need to do more. We will be reflecting, listening and learning. We will look for ways to do better in our personal communities, with the cycling community and with the largest part of the population that is yet to become a cyclist. #blacklivesmatter art by @notchas

A post shared by SRAM Road (@sramroad) on May 31, 2020 at 4:08pm PDT

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We care deeply about this country and are saddened by the unspeakable tragedy of the murder of George Floyd. There is a growing gap in equality and opportunity in our country that needs to be addressed. It is my belief that we need big changes and those changes start with ideas. I’ve written a blog that suggests a few simple, bold solutions to begin to address the equality gap and curb the racism that has plagued this country. I hope that these ideas spark some long overdue conversations. Link in bio. – Trek President, John Burke

A post shared by Trek Bicycle (@trekbikes) on Jun 1, 2020 at 10:07pm PDT

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We believe in change. We believe the racial injustice Black Americans face every day can and must change. And we believe the inequities dividing us all can change. But change doesn't happen by itself. Clif Bar & Company stands with the people and organizations who are fighting to ensure that Black Americans are treated with dignity, respect, and equality. Today, we are donating $100,000 to @colorofchange and our longtime partner the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (link in bio). Because change can't stand still.

A post shared by CLIF BAR (@clifbar) on Jun 1, 2020 at 10:21am PDT

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We believe a bicycle should be a vehicle of freedom, independence and progress. So today we stand, committed to those values. We speak up so that racism has no place in our future. To empower our riders. To empower our employees. To empower each other.

A post shared by Cannondale Bicycles (@ridecannondale) on Jun 1, 2020 at 3:41pm PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA2uxWLletq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Cycling has a problem with race. For decades, cycling has been a walled garden of exclusion, from the community to the lack of representation to the marketing—you name it. We’re owning that we’ve been part of that problem, and with the utmost humility, we’re acknowledging that we need to work harder at being part of its solution. We aren’t looking for plaudits, and we’re not here to signal our outrage. As human beings, like yourselves, we’re deeply hurt and saddened, and we’re declaring our commitment to learning and progressing this sport and culture forward to where it deserves to be. We don’t have all the answers, we don’t even know all the problems, but we’re listening today and acting in tandem with you tomorrow. Tell us how we can be better…we’re listening. ⁠ ⁠ This is just an acknowledgement, not the work. Together We Win. #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Specialized Bicycle Components (@iamspecialized) on May 31, 2020 at 12:01pm PDT

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Never been a praying man but I’ve found myself on my knees more and more lately #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Justin Williams (@juswilliamz) on May 30, 2020 at 4:52pm PDT

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We stand with the oppressed. #blackouttuesday

A post shared by ROTOR Bike Components (@rotorbike) on Jun 2, 2020 at 6:01am PDT

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Silence in the face of racism is a statement. As a brand, we have a voice and role. As athletes, we know progress and growth take work and can be painful. We are committing to do the work.⁠ -⁠ #BlackLivesMatter

A post shared by GU Energy Labs (@guenergylabs) on May 30, 2020 at 12:45pm PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0Vm8VlTGD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA3SdOBDlcb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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We have a duty to speak out against racial injustice and to call for attention and action. Our team is grieving for George Floyd and countless others before him. We are marching for justice, cleaning up and protecting the neighborhoods we call home, as well as donating time, money, and supplies throughout the Twin Cities. Many of us are seeing racism through a new lens and it is driving us to commit to change and action. We have a responsibility to advocate for, respect, and help elevate people who are underrepresented. The real work is ahead of us, and we are forming a plan to make a larger impact to address systemic racism. Black Lives Matter. We know we haven’t served all of you. We will do better. #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd

A post shared by Salsa Cycles (@salsacycles) on Jun 1, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

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Silence is agreement. Keep showing us who you are and we’ll remember.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve been in more than one terrifying racist situation that I wasn’t sure if it would end in my death or the death of the Black folks with me. Luckily that was not the case, but if it was, would you care? ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Would you still be silent? Would you be too scared to call it racism? Would you look into my past and try to figure out if I lived a life of crime? If I was intoxicated? If I was resisting? ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Would you justify my murder to make yourself feel better? ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’m calling out the bike industry. Black folks have been protesting for at least 3 days now, long enough for you to have had your marketing meetings and come up with a plan on how you can show your support. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Vague statements acknowledging that silence is not okay is not enough. Call racism by its name. Tell us you think Black Lives Matter. Tell us what actions you plan to take to better support Black folks.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ If you can’t show your support, then I know where you stand, and I know that your silence lets me know that protecting Black Lives are not worth your efforts. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Full post and resources at aquickbrownfox.com⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #AQuickBrownFox ⁣⁣ #RepresentationMatters ⁣⁣ #BlackLivesMatter ⁣⁣ #DefundThePolice⁣⁣ #Silence

A post shared by Ayesha Rosena Anna McGowan (@ayesuppose) on Jun 1, 2020 at 9:22am PDT

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Because #BlackLivesMatter

A post shared by USA Cycling (@usacycling) on Jun 1, 2020 at 8:02am PDT