A cycling community isn't complete without the inclusion of plus-sized African American women.
In a heartwarming display of resilience and determination, Keshia, a Black woman cyclist, recently completed a century ride from Philadelphia to Baltimore. The journey was initially planned as part of the Mid South gravel race, but wildfires forced its cancellation. Undeterred, Keshia and her fellow riders pressed on, embodying the spirit of growth and perseverance.
Keshia, who is part of the cycling community but has often felt excluded due to a lack of representation and inclusion, took the opportunity to challenge the status quo. She believes that if you ride a bike, you're a cyclist, regardless of your size, speed, or the cost of your bike. This belief is a testament to her commitment to making cycling more inclusive and representative for all.
The journey was not easy. Keshia averaged 9-11mph while others cruised at 14-18mph. However, she was surrounded by other Black women cyclists, finding strength and camaraderie in their shared journey. The ride was a significant milestone for Keshia, who recently completed her first century ride.
The story of cycling needs to include all, including those who ride for joy and those who ride out of necessity. Keshia, who started cycling during the pandemic, initially using borrowed bikes, is a testament to this. She dreams without limits, gets on her bike, and brings Black women with her, finding joy in every mile.
The journey was not just about the ride. It was also a call to action for the cycling community to become more inclusive and representative of diverse groups, such as fat Black women, disabled riders, trans and queer cyclists, elders, and those who ride for joy rather than sport.
To achieve this, cycling communities can centre marginalized voices, implement universally accessible cycling infrastructure, foster inclusive community events and spaces, and build culture alongside infrastructure. By doing so, these communities can transform from merely diverse in appearance to truly inclusive, representative, and transformative in practice.
Keshia's journey is a beacon of hope for those seeking to make a difference in the cycling community. She is fighting for access, equity, and inclusion, and her story serves as a reminder that confidence is a form of resistance. By speaking up about gaps in cycling and showing up fully and visibly, Keshia is pushing back against a world that tried to erase her.
In a touching finale, Keshia, along with fellow rider Em, completed the final miles together around Lake Montebello in Baltimore, making it a total of 101 miles. The journey was a testament to Keshia's spirit, resilience, and dedication to making cycling a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.
References:
- Bicycling for All
- All Bodies on Bikes
- Black Girl Joy Bike Ride
- 1928 Legacy Tour
- PeopleForBikes
Keshia's determination to make cycling more inclusive extends beyond the race track, as she promotes fashion-and-beauty in cycling for all bodies and encourages relationship-building among cyclists of diverse backgrounds. Her completed century ride is not only a sports achievement but also a statement about her sports-betting on a better and more inclusive lifestyle for everyone.
In her journey, Keshia expresses interest in travel, having cycled from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and envisions a time when Black women and other underrepresented groups can explore the world on two wheels, thanks to the improved infrastructure and community spaces that cater to their needs.
Inspired by her own transformative experience, Keshia is passionate about pet-friendly cycling routes, allowing pets to accompany their owners on journeys, enhancing the joy and companionship shared between people and animals. By advocating for the inclusion of diverse groups, Keshia aims to create a cycling community that truly embodies the spirit of growth, perseverance, and unity—a lifestyle favourable to all.
