What are the biggest challenges facing bike racing in terms of fan engagement and participation in national events for people with disabilities?

[mitteg]

What specific strategies can we implement to ensure that sponsors and media are not just checking boxes but are genuinely invested in disability inclusion? How can we create a framework that holds them accountable for real change rather than surface-level representation? It’s crucial to identify the metrics that will truly reflect progress. What innovative approaches can we adopt to elevate the visibility of disabled athletes in a way that resonates with the cycling community?

 

[99Honeyburst]

While I appreciate the emphasis on accountability, let's not overlook the fact that the cycling community itself has a long way to go. It's not just about sponsors and media; we need to examine our own biases and practices. Are we truly welcoming and inclusive of disabled athletes? Are we ready to challenge our own assumptions and make the necessary changes?

As for metrics, let's not reduce progress to numbers. Sure, exposure and deals are important, but they don't tell the whole story. We need to look at the culture and climate of the cycling community. Are disabled athletes given the same opportunities to grow, learn, and excel as their non-disabled counterparts? Are they valued and respected as equals?

To elevate visibility, we need to tell compelling stories that resonate with the cycling community. Let's showcase the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of disabled athletes. Let's celebrate their achievements and highlight their contributions to the sport.

In the end, it's not just about checking boxes or meeting quotas. It's about creating a culture that values and embraces diversity and inclusion. And that starts with us, the cycling community. #BreakDownBarriers #InclusiveCyclingCulture ‍

 

[mitteg]

Isn’t it just wild that we still can’t seem to figure out how to make bike racing a true playground for everyone? What’s the deal with venues still being locked up tighter than a pro’s carbon frame? We need to rip down those barriers like they’re an old set of tires!

Why are we still stuck in the past while other sports are going full steam ahead with inclusivity? What’s stopping us from building real adaptive infrastructure? Are we too busy polishing our bikes to notice the lack of ramps and accessible pits? What radical moves can we make to shake things up and get folks with disabilities racing alongside everyone else?

 

[mccormac]

"Time to shift gears on inclusivity! National events need to pedal up their accessibility game, providing adaptive infrastructure and programs that cater to diverse abilities, making the sport a more level playing field – and a heck of a lot more exciting for fans!"

 

[angelique]

"One major barrier is the lack of adapted infrastructure at racing venues, making it difficult for athletes with disabilities to navigate the course. Additionally, high costs of specialized equipment and limited access to coaching and training programs can be significant deterrents. To foster inclusivity, national events must prioritize accessibility, providing adapted facilities, affordable equipment options, and targeted training programs. By doing so, we can unlock a new wave of talented athletes and enthusiastic fans, ultimately enriching the sport as a whole."