Cycling has a diversity problem

Miles Baker-Clarke's Ride to a More Diverse and Inclusive Cycling World

 Cycling, a sport known for its rigorous physical demands and scenic escapes, faces a persistent challenge far from the physical: diversity and inclusivity. 

In a candid conversation on the Ride To Success Podcast, Miles Baker Clarke , a seasoned marketer within the cycling industry, shares his insights and personal experiences, underscoring the pressing need for change with Pedro Couto Lopes .

"In my cycling club of 300+ people, there is only 1 person of colour"

Despite his deep love for cycling, Baker-Clarke is acutely aware of the sport's diversity problem. "In my club of 300+ people, there is no one of colour, apart from me" he states, highlighting a glaring issue that extends beyond his local cycling club to the cycling industry at large. The lack of representation is not merely a numbers game; it's about what those numbers signify—a barrier to entry and a sense of alienation for underrepresented communities.

Challenges and Solutions to Diversity and Inclusivity

The biggest challenges in fostering a more inclusive cycling community, according to Baker-Clarke, stem from visibility and access. The cost of cycling equipment and the sport's perceived exclusivity act as significant deterrents. To combat this, Baker-Clarke suggests, among several solutions, more support for grassroots initiatives and community groups that aim to lower these barriers, emphasizing the need for industry leaders to champion diversity and inclusivity actively.

"Cycling has a diversity problem"

In response to these challenges, Baker-Clarke founded the Cycling Culture Club (CCC), a platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices within the cycling world. 

Cycling Culture Club is a community sharing cycling-related stories, experiences, and knowledge. It aims to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for cyclists of all backgrounds and skill levels. CCC emphasizes cycling as a means for growth, inclusivity, and accessibility.

The CCC is more than a space for sharing stories; it's a beacon of what cycling can and should be—a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community.

Drawing from his marketing expertise, Baker-Clarke advocates for businesses within the cycling industry to adopt more inclusive marketing strategies. This includes showcasing a wider range of cyclists in media and advertising, thus reflecting the sport's true diversity. He also points to the power of mentorship and community programs in inspiring future generations of cyclists from all backgrounds.

Successful engagement with diverse groups, as per Baker-Clarke, involves authentic representation and targeted outreach. Campaigns like "Bike is Best," which he worked on, exemplify how the industry can promote cycling's benefits to a broader audience, breaking down stereotypes and encouraging wider participation.

 "I would love for the next generation, so if we consider the next generation to be young kids at this stage, I would love to think that in 10, 15 years time, we'll be many percentiles better from a diversity perspective within cycling. And I mean all forms of cycling as well, (...) what I hope is, that [the] next generation feels like that [using a bike for leisure or for sport] could be something they can aspire to." 

Future of Cycling

Looking forward, Baker-Clarke is optimistic yet realistic about the future of cycling. He is making strides so that the next generation sees cycling as an accessible and appealing option, irrespective of their background. For this vision to materialize, concerted efforts from the industry, government, and community leaders are essential.

Miles Baker-Clarke's participation in the "Ride To Success Podcast" sheds light on the persistent diversity issues within cycling and offers a roadmap towards a more inclusive future. Through initiatives like the Cycling Culture Club and his call to action for the industry, Baker-Clarke is not just dreaming of change; he's spearheading it. As the cycling world continues to evolve, it's the voices and actions of individuals like Baker-Clarke that will ensure the sport is as diverse as vibrant. 

Find out more about Miles's transformative work in the Ride To Success podcast 

Chapters:

~ Assessing Diversity in Cycling

~ Where the Cycling Industry Falls Short

~  Challenges to Diversity and Inclusivity

~  Strategies for a More Inclusive Cycling World

~ Introducing Cycling Culture Club

~ Marketing for a Diverse Cycling Community

~ Engaging Diverse Groups in Cycling

~ Hopes for a More Inclusive Cycling Industry

~ Journey Ahead for Cycling's Diversity and Inclusion

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You can find Miles's work here:

https://www.cyclingcultureclub.cc/

Instagram: @cyclingcultureclub

@miles_on_bikes

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Links to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

Thanks for listening

#Cycling #Podcast #RideToSuccess