Ontario Cycling is committed to working towards the inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the sport of cycling. With the support of our Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) committee, our staff and board are actively learning and working to promote diversity in cycling through our strategic plans and integration of key actions that support inclusive policies and procedures.
Our organization strives to make a difference in cycling communities by working to foster safe, inclusive, and positive cycling events and training environments for our members. We envision a future where all folks can get on their bike and feel a sense of belonging and connection to their cycling community. At Ontario Cycling this means embedding our key values of safety and inclusion in all the work that we do.
Despite working toward inclusion in sport, we acknowledge that 2SLGBTQ+ riders are often underrepresented in sport and cycling spaces. We recognize the extensive work and commitment required to create safe and inclusive opportunities and we will continue to encourage and empower our clubs and coaches already doing the work towards diversity and inclusion in cycling.
To our 2SLGBTQ+ cycling community, we wish you all a very happy and safe pride!
Testimonials
Sarah (she, her) is an active member of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee at Ontario Cycling. She also co-founded the Queer Bike Club Toronto (QBC) in May 2022. Sarah participates in road and gravel cycling, bike packing, and touring.
What does cycling mean to you?
Cycling to me, ironically means stillness and safety. If I’m cycling and paying attention to my surroundings on a busy street in Toronto or on an empty trail in Halliburton, everything around me is moving. Yet amidst that chaos and or forward north on I’m still present in the one moment; I’m still on my bike. Strangely calming.
What does pride mean to you?
Pride, as most of us know, started as a protest. So, to me, pride is meant to allow the 2SLQBTQIA+ community to take up space in every way we feel comfortable doing so – in the face of many others’ discomfort.
What affirmation might you say to your 15-year-old self?
1) Riding bikes is cool
2) Face people’s discomfort towards your quirks and differences with kindness, especially kindness towards yourself.
David (he, him) is an active member of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee at Ontario Cycling. David participates in road and gravel cycling.
What does cycling mean to you?
I started cycling seriously in 2017, and since then it’s become an integral part of my routine. Through cycling, I’ve been able to create challenges for myself and push my physical and mental limits. It’s the people I’ve met in cycling that have made it so meaningful, the camaraderie both while riding and away from the saddle.
What does pride mean to you?
Pride has many meanings – freedom to be oneself, to stand up for everyone’s rights, and never be silent or backing down when those rights are challenged. We’re fortunate to live in Canada where we enjoy many hard-won freedoms; it will always be a work in progress, and there’s still lots of work to be done.
What affirmation might you say to your 15-year-old self?
I’ve learned a lot in life thus far, and I’d say a few things;
(1) I’d say that you’re perfectly fine just the way you are, and there’s no need to change for others;
(2) stand up for yourself and for those who are unable to do so;
(3) Persevere. Quitting is a full stop;
(4) Be an optimist. It takes energy to accomplish things that pessimists say cannot be done.
Amber (she, her) works at Ontario Cycling as the Technical Lead. Her work with athletes and coaches in OC’s Performance Programs is driven by her passion toward creating inclusive and positive training environments for athletes to learn and develop into high-performance cyclists. She is an active member of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee at Ontario Cycling. She also founded Toronto Purple Fins, the first gender-free swim club in North America. Amber strives to bring more 2SLGBTQ+ folks into sport – encouraging inclusive and safe sport practices is embedded in the work she does on a daily base.
Alyssa (she, her) is an active member of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee at Ontario Cycling. David participates in Mountain Bike, Track, and Road cycling.
What does cycling mean to you? Calm and strength. Whenever I’m cycling, whatever the discipline, I become very calm and perceptive. I’m also a sprinter by heart so the strength aspect is key!
What does pride mean to you? Pride, at it’s roots is bravery and strength and that’s what resonates with me. Bravery to be yourself without fear of others and strength to keep going, keep pushing just like the original pride protesters did.
What affirmation might you say to your 15 year old self? You know yourself better than anyone else, so don’t let anyone’s idea of you change who you are.
