Cycling beyond stereotypes: Find your place in the cycling world

Have you ever felt unsafe getting on a bike because of your body shape or size? You're not alone. The stereotype that all cyclists must be slim and fit can make it difficult for many people to feel comfortable in the world of cycling. But what if we told you that cycling is a sport that should be open to every* person, regardless of their body shape or size? Join us as we explore the idea of diversity in the world of cycling and how it relates to the principles of Body Positivity and Body Neutrality.

Understanding the principles of body positivity and body neutrality

Body Positivity is a movement that aims to promote self-acceptance and self-love, regardless of one's body shape or weight. It encourages people to accept their bodies as they are and reject societal beauty standards that promote a narrow definition of what is considered "beautiful".

Body Neutrality encourages people to treat their bodies with kindness and respect, rather than emphasizing whether they are "good" or "bad." By embracing these principles, we can learn to love and accept ourselves, regardless of our size or shape, and focus on the things that really matter.

The principles briefly summarized:

Advantages of a dual approach

Although the "body neutrality" movement was originally designed to overcome the problems of the "body positivity" movement, there are also benefits to incorporating both approaches when considering your own body. This type of dual approach allows you to reap the benefits of both approaches.

These benefits include:

Body positivity can help improve mood and reduce negative thoughts. It also allows us to be happy with our bodies, regardless of what society says about them or despite negative messages we may have received in childhood.

Body-Neutrality is a good approach when positive behavior doesn't feel real or is too big a step to take. It takes the pressure off of loving your body when you may not, and only asks that you accept it for who it is and appreciate it for what it can do for you.

We are humans who are constantly changing, which means that some days we will love our bodies, while other days self-love can feel like too much to ask. By incorporating both Body Positivity and Body Neutrality into our lives, we can choose the approach that best fits our mindset on any given day.

About losing and rediscovering my enthusiasm for cycling

On my journey as a cyclist, I will share with you my experiences and challenges with being overweight and not being fit. I didn't feel like I belonged in the world of cycling. Yet, I have found a sense of belonging, freedom, and self-acceptance by advocating for Body Positivity and Body Neutrality. Come learn how to overcome stereotypes and find the right bike and community. Join me on this tour, and let's break down barriers together.

As a long-time avid cyclist, I've always been attracted to the freedom and independence that comes with riding a bike. For years I was heavily involved in the fixed gear scene where I found a sense of belonging in the community of outcasts and misfits. Due to a bicycle accident that caused some problems for me as a self-employed photographer, as I was unable to work for a few weeks after the accident, I lost my passion for cycling for a few years and became a pure commuter. As I moved less and sat more, I eventually gained weight. As I began to struggle with my weight and fitness, I experienced firsthand the fear and trepidation that can come with the thought of getting on a bike and entering the world of cycling. The stereotype that all cyclists must be thin and fit made me feel like I didn't belong.

Exploring the roots of the stereotype

First, it's important to understand where this stereotype comes from. In professional cycling, lean, fit athletes dominate the sport. These athletes train for hours every day and must maintain a certain level of fitness to compete at the highest level. For most recreational athletes, however, this level of fitness is not required. Instead, cycling is a great way to improve overall health and fitness, regardless of the individual's starting position.

Embracing body positivity and body neutrality in cycling

By embracing the principles of Body Positivity and Body Neutrality, you can learn to love and accept yourself, regardless of your figure or weight, and find a sense of belonging in the world of cycling.

One of the best ways to practice Body Positivity and Body Neutrality while cycling is to focus on the benefits of cycling for overall health and wellness, rather than fixating on a specific body shape or size. It's important to remember that cycling is a low-impact sport that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It's a great way to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and endurance, and even help with weight loss (if that's what you're aiming for). It's also a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family.

Finding Inclusive and Welcoming Communities

Another aspect of feeling excluded from the world of cycling is the experience of being left behind on group rides. For heavier or less fit individuals, the physical demands of group rides can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. This is especially true for those who do not have the same fitness level as the other rider:s in the group. Fear of being left behind can be a significant barrier to participation in group rides and can make it difficult for heavier or less fit individuals to enjoy the social aspects of cycling. However, it is important to remember that cycling is a sport for all, and there are many inclusive groups that provide support and encouragement for cyclists of all abilities. Further, there are also opportunities for group rides where the pace is adjusted to the different abilities of the rider:s, which contributes to an inclusive experience.

Seek inclusive and welcoming cycling communities that embrace diversity and reject societal beauty standards. Joining a cycling group or club can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for cycling. There are communities out there that are welcoming, such as the “All Bodies On Bikes”https://www.allbodiesonbikes.com/community or the “everyBODY Rides” in London. Such communities provide support and camaraderie among like-minded individuals who share your passion for cycling, and can help you overcome the stereotypes and barriers that may have been holding you back.

In conclusion, cycling is a sport that should be open to everyone, regardless of their body shape or size. By embracing the principles of body positivity and body neutrality, individuals can learn to love and accept themselves, and to find a sense of belonging in the cycling world. Whether you're looking to improve your health and fitness, or simply to enjoy the freedom and independence of getting on a bike, cycling is a great way to do it.

So, don't let the stereotype hold you back. Get out there and give it a try – you might surprise yourself!