British Cycling Say Only 5% Of Riders Are Currently Black On Their Cycling Talent Development Programmes

Sunday, July 11, 2021

British Cycling has announced it is offering more scholarships to widen access to education and coaching opportunities as part of a new plan to boost diversity.

There Ride strategy focuses on equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure riders of all backgrounds can fulfil their cycling ambitions.

British Cycling say 95% of riders on the British Cycling Talent Development programmes are white, compared to 86% of the general population.

With the public’s appetite for cycling heightened by TV coverage of the 2021 Tour de France, it is a great time for British Cycling to encourage new members.

There are too many potential cyclists who experience a barrier of one kind or another into our sport and do not feel welcome in our community,” said British Cycling chief executive Brian Facer.

“It is imperative we take a lead in this area, strengthening governance, offering more opportunities to cycle and compete, and improving representation.

“This new strategy can play a significant role in making cycling more reflective of society as a whole.”

British Cycling says women make up only 17% of their membership while 95% of riders on the British Cycling Talent Development programmes are white, compared to 86% of the general population.

Further statistics from the National LGB&T Partnership found that 55% of LGBTQ+ men and 56% of LGBTQ+ women were not active enough to maintain good health, compared to 33% of men and women in the general population.