Bikes and Equity

We need to talk about the intersection of bike advocacy, race, and equity.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at SVBC. We shouldn’t have to make an argument for why we want to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in our advocacy or how this issue relates to biking–it’s the right thing to do. Our vision statement reads: “We envision a community that values, includes, and encourages bicycling for all purposes for all people.” We are committed to putting in the work to make this vision into reality.

In the past, when we have shared this with our members and supporters, we have experienced pushback that made us wonder if there would be a better time or better way to talk about these issues.

There is no perfect time or perfect way to discuss equity and bike advocacy. While we've gotten a start through our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan (located here) we haven't been nearly as bold and up front with our membership about this work as we should have.

Going forward, as we continue to implement that plan, we'll be more vocal about that work. We also need you to keep us honest. If you're interested, we have a team of board members, staff, members, and non-members who meet regularly to review this plan and hold the organization accountable to this work. Email volunteer@bikesiliconvalley.org for more information.

That being said, if you would like to learn more about the critical intersection of bike advocacy and equity, we have resources we would like to share with you that our staff has found to be helpful and informative. Some are specific to the bike world and some are not.

We’re not perfect (far from it!), we’re still learning, we will make mistakes, and we welcome you to send your resources to us, too, and let us know when we’ve messed up!

Articles

Books

Podcasts

Activists and Organizations to Follow

  • The Untokening - a multiracial collective that centers the lived experiences of marginalized communities to address mobility justice and  equity.

  • Tamika Butler - Toole Design’s Director of Planning for California and the Director of Equity and Inclusion

  • Keith Benjamin - Director of Charleston Department of Traffic & Transportation

  • Dr. Adonia Lugo -  urban anthropologist and mobility justice strategist based in Los Angeles

  • Ayesha McGowan - the first African-American female pro road cyclist

  • Naomi Doerner - nationally recognized transportation equity strategist

  • Charles T. Brown, MPA, CPD - self-proclaimed “street level researcher,” working at the intersection of transportation, health, and equity

Thank you for joining us on this journey as we educate ourselves and try to create a more equitable, just, and bike-friendly Silicon Valley. We’re honored to have you on our side supporting the bike movement.

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Bike Collisions on Guadalupe River Trail

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