Founder Monica Garrison on the remarkable growth of Black Girls Do Bike

Monica Garrison is the founder and executive director of Black Girls Do Bike. Her cycling journey began like so many others, as a child, looking for a sense of freedom to explore her immediate surroundings. A decade ago, Monica Garrison had rekindled her passion for cycling while commuting to and from work. And along the way, she had a desire to connect with other lady riders who were equally obsessed, which led her to create a Facebook page called Black Girls Do Bike as well as a website by the same name. Something clearly clicked in a big way, and the organization, founded in 2013, quickly became one of the fastest-growing cycling clubs on the planet. And it just hasn’t stopped. Now, BCDB has 100 chapters and continues to add another chapter every single month hosting a slew of activities from social meetups to workshops to gran fondos. Membership is free and open to women of any race.

Momentum talked to Garrison about the club, her love of cycling, equity, and much more.

To what do you attribute the astounding success and growth of BGDB?

I think our success speaks to a couple of things. Clearly, I believe that groups like BGDB tap into the sense of community that already exists within the African diaspora. There is a deep longing to connect around shared experiences and initiatives that can improve the quality of life of our community. I also believe that having great visuals to go along with our message help get folx enthusiastically on board with the mission.

What is the organization about?

Black Girls Do Bike is on a mission to grow and support a community of women who share a passion for cycling. We are creating a safe, non-competitive space for women of color to ride together past the barriers to entry and into the larger cycling community. “Fellowship, Fitness, and Freedom” is our mantra this year.

Who is the typical club member?

It’s hard to say. Our members the whole spectrum of riders. We have ladies who never learned to ride a bike all the way to very experienced riders who participate in multi-day, high mileage cycling events. I think the common denominators are that ladies who join us are generally looking for community, inspiration, and a way to give back and help other riders. 

What has surprised you the most regarding the success of the group?

I think the most surprising thing is how quickly we’ve grown.  We’ve averaged almost one new chapter per month for the past 9 years. In fact, someone suggested to me just a few weeks ago that we might be the largest female cycling club around. And I think they might be right! We’re 30k women strong at this point with no real signs of slowing down. 

What is your cycling journey?

My cycling journey began like most folks. My summer breaks for school were filled with bike rides around the neighborhood. In my twenties, I picked up the bike again to start commuting and to find stress relief.  Fast forward to 2013, I started to ride again after a long winter. I was looking for an activity to help me lose weight, clear my mind and spend quality time with my kids. I ventured to every trail I could find in my city. And I met lots of cycling fanatics that were incredibly welcoming. That time on the bike was beneficial in so many ways and it helped me realize that there weren’t many women who looked like me riding bikes. 

What is it that you love so much about cycling that it has come to you spearheading this movement?

I’m in love with the way that cycling helps me detach from life’s stresses. I like feeling the physical benefits while getting the endorphin rush that I crave. It allows me to find momentary peace of mind and it allows me to unplug from my electronic devices which these days often feel like unwanted appendages to my body. I believe that women of color are often the most overworked, underrated, and unappreciated members of western society. I feel like cycling can be a valuable tool for these ladies to distress and find healing and rejuvenation. 

What void did the group fill?

I believe the cycling industry was in a place where they felt comfortable being hyper-focused in one type of rider and almost completely ignoring other entire demographics. This, I believe is to the detriment of the industry. Riders like me can feel invisible. The reality is that we are here. We are actively riding. Recognizing us and our acknowledging our contributions, unmatched fortitude, unique style, and new perspectives can help move the industry forward.

What is your perception of cycling and equity, and how that is changing?

I think things are improving on the equity front. I feel like brands and media outlets are asking the right questions and are looking for ways to showcase POC riders and talent. It feels like we are educated consumers and tokenism becomes apparent and transparent very quickly. Certainly more improvements need to be made to see true equity and inclusivity, but I feel like we are having conversations that would have been avoided in the past, and that will continue to move the needle.

Is this something you work towards or address in Black Girls Do Bike and if so, how?

Our general approach is that we are creating the cycling space we want to exist in every day.  Whether the cycling industry gets on board or not doesn’t really change our path.  But we are happy to engage and work in good faith with institutions that want to make a difference. 

Where do you hope to see the cycling movement in the next five years?

I hope to see our continued growth. I’d like to see us reach 200 Black Girls Do Bike Chapters worldwide. I hope to expand into educating young riders so that we can have a hand in helping them become better and smarter riders sooner in life.