The subtlities of bike shaming and the unseen effects of othering

We have all done it.  It's terrible to have to say it as we look in the mirror, but the fact of the matter is that at some point along the line you, just as well as I, have been on the giving end of some form of bike-related shaming.  Whether it was a subtle assumption we harbored about a cyclist based on their apparel, or an idea we dismissed due to supposedly improper or lacking vocabulary, bike savvy, or overall presentation; we have more than likely put someone, for some reason, into a confining box.  Though it may not be perceived as divisive, every time someone is othered they are slowly made to feel alien, distanced, confined and relegated into some lesser realm of existence.  The byproducts of shaming are often initially small and subtle, but the overall cumulative effect of constant affirmation that one is not hip, sexy, white, wealthy, sporty, knowledgeable or experienced enough will subconsciously vex even the strongest psyche.  The real question that persists is how one can possibly feel comfort, inclusion and reciprocity when we are constantly being made to feel that we are beneath a perpetually impossible level of cool.

Magazines, blogs and instagram feeds are still lined with images of expensive, high end, race-forward, white, rich, male and highly sexist imagery.  Bike shops still sing the sounds of hollow banter that sends messages of snobbery and elitism that would likely make even the most confident shy.  Group rides often send messages of the aforementioned in clique-ish like groupings that only further distance feelings of inclusion.  

a middle aged, white, female cyclist that isn't afraid to get off and walk

Stepping back with compassion

Everyone was a novice at some point.  We all pick up with an interest and start somewhere with our ambition regardless of background or previous experience. The fact of the matter is that generating the inertia of a future hobby/passion/career can be one of the most difficult moments during any new process.  By having the support and love of friends, peers and acquaintances we can solidify our steps toward already existing goals or new pathways.  Though support and care often go unspoken, it is this foundation that oftentimes generates an otherwise lacking amount of confidence.  Seeing both those close to us and faces in distant places encouraging us to work with what we have, when we have it, wherever we might be so fortunate as to have it is such a massive step in forming tangible images of ourselves.  When we are shown and told that it is perfectly ok to be a novice, to make mistakes, to fall on our asses and get back up laughing; we become so much more comfortable in our own skin, whether alone or in public places.  

It is when we see these messages from people of power, status and popularity that we often begin to revert the mentalities that dictate our feelings of sub-parness.  It's when writers, athletes, artists and business people decide to flip the script a bit that we begin to feel a little more human - when we are shown that it is ok to make goofy errors: use seemingly inadequate gear to accomplish activities often otherwise depicted, cycle with riders of better fitness than that of our own and congregate with people of differing genders, class, age and skin color we slowly begin to water seeds that grow in a way that is contrary to negatively normative imagery ideologies. 

a woman of color, working on a second hand bike,
in normal clothes, in a public setting

Walking and talking with purpose

 Its easy enough to talk about and conceptualize a world where marketing, individual actions and overall acceptance, inclusiveness and adequacy are a reality across the board.  One can sit back and think that by saying we subscribe to a certain attitude, mental trajectory or lifestyle that one is suddenly freed from said confines.  It's much easier to talk up the aforementioned than it is to implement them into an active practice.  Much more convenient it is to criticize and point fingers than it is to engage in a consistent line of action that parallels our words and ideas.  

It takes braveness, confidence, and motivation to start negotiating scenarios and lifestyles with a newfound element of purpose.  To step into situations and places where scrutiny and shaming might inevitably come to surface is a huge element that could not be more important in the fight against any form marginalization may take.  Walking into a bike shop or group ride as you are; with the equipment, age, gender identity, and level of fitness is one of the most empowering things we can do for ourselves and others.  By showing people that the general consensus and status quo will not dictate our goals and attitudes, we show the world that we can truly be who we are, go where we want, move at a rate that is our own, and be truly confident in our step and stride along the way.  So please, help be a patient, loving, compassionate member of this struggle we all face in nearly every realm of life.  Please help others believe that they too can walk through the doors of acceptance and inclusiveness.  Most importantly, please help do it by allowing your words to correlate with your own direct action.  The next time you go out for a ride, try inviting a friend of differing gender-identity, skin color and age.  Try going for a group ride on your "commuter" bike.  Try walking into the bike shop wearing the same clothes you would if you were shopping for groceries.  Please, make efforts in practicing ways that show everyone that it is ok to be human, that it is lovely to be yourself, just as you are.  Set the example you want to see, and help show people that they can be themselves with the same confidence that you yourself might maintain.