Inclusion Conversation #1

Welcome Remarks - Rob DeMartini, President & CEO of USA Cycling

Opening Keynote - The State of DEI in Cycling: David Lipscomb, CIS Training Systems

Preview of 2021 Inclusion Conversation Series - Ashland Johnson, The Inclusion Playbook

[residuumequilibrium]

So you want to fix cycling?

Your primary focus should be to get kids on bicycles.
For cycling to progress and move forward long term you will need to get people involved at a young age. Kids grow into adults. These adults end up in positions that can make rules and decisions to further promote cycling (bike paths, bike parks, cycling friendly rules, etc.) Think generational wealth.

Create "seed events" through USAC cycling clubs. This could be a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly series, but they have to be consistent and repeatable as a template. Start with the idea in mind that some kids have never ridden a bicycle. Fundamentals of safety, traffic rules, etc. Make these events in closed traffic areas, parks, parking lots, grassed fields, etc.
These "seed events" should be promoted through schools and other sanctioned organizations when possible. Make scholastic cycling clubs an actual thing. With all of the social media, electronic message boards now available acquiring sponsor teachers and parental volunteers should be easy.
Hopefully kids will have their own bikes or access to one, but there will be many that don't. Ultimately the clubs should be prepared to provide X amount of starter bikes and helmets for the events. A simple sign up sheet will determine all of that.

Parental & family involvement, community events, bicycles as a viable method of transportation all stem from a child simply being introduced to the wonderful world of cycling.

Keep it simple, because it is simple.

And this barely scratches the surface...
If you want to fix racing there is a bigger elephant in the room that will need to be addressed. That elephant is named cost. Let's save that for another time.