Cycling industry amplifies ‘Black Lives Matter’ message

Bike brands and riders have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and their support of racial equality in the wake of George Floyd's death.

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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:

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

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

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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

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Because #BlackLivesMatter

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