After we discuss constructing a extra inclusive biking neighborhood right here in Portland, some people would possibly suppose solely of race and/or gender. However there’s one other tendency within the biking world that makes a number of people really feel unnoticed: an industry-wide deal with skinny our bodies. It’s true: the biking world has a physique picture downside.
That’s not stunning provided that the biking {industry} revolves largely round elite racing, and people who compete and practice on the highest ranges shed ounces from their our bodies with as a lot fervor as weekend warriors shed ounces from their bikes. It’s additionally not stunning that there’s a rising pushback led by a nonprofit group based in 2021 known as “All Our bodies on Bikes.”
Virtually 4 years since that group launched with a preferred video (that occurred to be filmed in Oregon), Portland will lastly get a neighborhood chapter of its personal. All Our bodies on Bikes Portland is lead by Colt Seidman, somebody who’s personal expertise with the group speaks to its constructive affect.
Seidman informed BikePortland they first heard about All Our bodies on Bikes a number of years in the past whereas recovering from a motorbike harm. “As a disabled, neurodivergent bicyclist, All Our bodies On Bikes helped me really feel much less alone.” The All Our bodies on Bikes neighborhood opened a world to Seidman that impressed her to take higher care of her physique and to change into a greater bike owner. “As a plus-size queer lady, I actually felt a reference to All Our bodies On Bikes (ABOB) and needed to convey this particular area to Portland, with some assist of some neighborhood members.”
ABOB co-founder and Oregonian Kailey Kornhauser and board member Brian Benavente are serving to Seidman with the launch. To assist kick issues off, they’ll host a movie screening and group trip on February ninth (location TBD).
For now, roll over to Bike Pleased Hour this week (Wednesday, 1/8 from 3:00 to six:00 pm at Migration Brewing on N Williams Ave) to fulfill Seidman and be taught extra about what’s in retailer. And comply with @ABOBPortlandOR on Instagram for updates.
