Black Girls Do Bike: How an Introvert Started an Army of Lady Cyclists
By: Connor Grant
Tags: Cycling, Bikes, Black Girls

Black Girls Do Bike: How an Introvert Started an Army of Lady Cyclists Connor Grant Follow Jul 15 · 4 min read

By Monica Garrison

Frequently, I ask myself how an eternally introverted, plus-sized, woman of color managed to mobilize a passionate worldwide army of lady cyclists. I have always put cycling in the category of one of those positive things in my life that would always welcome me with open arms. In a way, cycling has given me unconditional love. It’s an activity that is low impact and great as a solo or group pursuit. A bicycle ride is one of the best ways to clear my mind and feed my soul while taking in the sounds, smells, and textures of my environment. Bikes are simultaneously ideal for short trips and long journeys of self-discovery. I can think of no more fulfilling way to explore my city or stir up a cool breeze on a hot day. Riding a bike can help lower blood pressure, stave off disease and improve mood. Whether you choose to play in the mountains, on the road, or on trails, cycling is good for what ails you.

My love affair with cycling started like most folks. For many, cycling was their first taste of freedom as a child. My summer breaks from school were filled with rides that started after lunch and ended at sunset. As an adult, I found commuting by bike saved me money and helped prepare my mind for a long stressful workday. On the weekends, cycling helped ground me and fuel my appreciation for the outdoors.

For me, cycling remains overwhelmingly a mental exercise. I solve problems and resolve inner conflicts while in the saddle. In 2013, I turned to cycling to work through a mental rut. I found myself again reaping the incredible mind and body benefits of riding my bike regularly. I was spending more time with my kids in the outdoors. As our adventures became more frequent, I noticed very few women of color riding bikes. Cycling had become a lifesaver for me and I wanted to share it with other ladies.

This was the genesis of a movement I started called Black Girls Do Bike. I wanted to shed light on the amazing benefits of cycling and I wanted to get the word out to women who looked like me, who shared the same stresses of life but had not yet discovered the joy of cycling to help them cope. Women of color are often the backbone of their families and beacons in their communities. I wanted to demystify cycling for these women and gift them a tool that could help them live richer healthier lives. Making cycling accessible is at the heart of what we do. Democratizing wellness means sharing cycling knowledge and working to knock down the self-imposed and systemic barriers women of color face when entering and exploring the world of cycling.

Quickly the number of followers swelled and soon we established our website that aimed to be part information and part inspiration. I had no idea how many women I would find and how diverse and enthusiastic this community would turn out to be. Ladies began to inquire about how they could connect with us in their cities and towns. What was intended to be solely an online space has turned into more than 100 riding groups around the world. We boast chapters from Anchorage, Alaska to London, England.

These days my social media feeds are flooded with images of happy women supporting one another on bikes. Sometimes they are even wearing gear I designed, and that still feels unreal. At annual national meetups, I meet ladies face to face who have benefited from the forming of BGDB. They thank me for creating a safe cycling space. They share stories of recovery and accounts of how cycling changed their lives. They mention how they have met life-long friends through their interactions with BGDB. For a girl who primarily prefers to ride solo, I really do cherish the advantage of having a community to surround you, lift you up, and hold you accountable.

In this 8 year endeavor, I’ve learned that we do not have to be limited by the labels we are given. I’ve had to face head-on things that are traditionally hard for me, like public speaking and meeting new people. BGDB has been as much a part of my personal growth as it has my professional growth. I’ve learned to let my guard down and open myself up to the possibility of success as well as failure. And I can truly say, if given the chance to do it all over again, I would, without hesitation.

Check out Black Girls Do Bike or find your local chapter here!