Our Statement on Black Lives Matter and Community Action

News

Aug 24

Written By

We at Bikeatoga stand with the Black Lives Matter movement to acknowledge the insidiousness of racism and challenge ourselves and our community to protect the welfare and rights of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and to push for a world where they can thrive.With Executive Order 203 on New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, the City of Saratoga Springs has a vitally important opportunity for meaningful change on our policing policies and procedures. Inclusive and active citizen engagement is essential. We commend our fellow residents advocating for a fair, transparent, and equitable system.

At Bikeatoga we take tremendous pride in making bicycles and maintenance available for anyone who walks through our door. Many do not have access to a car, cannot afford transit, or are not within range of a bus system, and bicycles are an essential form of transportation. We seek transportation and economic justice in the work we do at the workshop and in the community. All people have a right to safely bike and walk.

BIPOC, LBGTQ+, and women are historically underrepresented groups in the bicycling community. National groups like Adventure Cycling Association and League of American Cyclists have published diversity readings and literature, and we have put together a list of resources below. In the Capital District, we celebrate the work of Black Girls Do Bike, a group which has galvanized women and girls of color locally.

As an advocacy organization, we honor, respect and support the power of people organizing for change. Black lives matter.

Bikeatoga Inc.Will Ryan, PresidentDan Lynch, Vice PresidentBrad Beal, TreasurerJennifer Natyzak, Secretary

UPCOMING EVENTS:Monday, August 31 from 5-8pm Shine a Light for Darryl at High Rock Park Center

RESOURCES:

Articles on Race and Cycling

Narratives of Marginalized Cyclists | Amy Lubitow

The Unbearable Whiteness of Cycling

Cyclista Zine

Adventure Cycling Association’s Resources for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Cycling

Local Racial Justice Organizations

All of Us

MLK Saratoga