Monica Garrison founded Black Girls Do Bike (BGDB) to empower Black women and girls through cycling. The organization advocates for e-bike accessibility, addressing systemic barriers to cycling in marginalized communities. BGDB promotes health, environmental sustainability, and social equity by organizing rides, workshops, and partnerships. Their e-bike initiatives focus on affordability, education, and representation, fostering inclusivity in the cycling world.
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What Inspired Monica Garrison to Found Black Girls Do Bike?
Monica Garrison created BGDB in 2013 after noticing the lack of representation of Black women in cycling spaces. Her goal was to build a supportive community that combats stereotypes and encourages physical activity. E-bikes later became a cornerstone of BGDB’s advocacy, as they lower entry barriers for beginners and make cycling accessible to those with physical limitations or longer commutes.
How Does BGDB Promote E-Bike Adoption in Underserved Communities?
BGDB partners with e-bike manufacturers and nonprofits to provide subsidized e-bikes, scholarships, and repair clinics. They host “E-Bike 101” workshops to educate riders on maintenance, safety, and cost-saving incentives like tax credits. Regional chapters organize group rides to normalize e-bike use and demonstrate their practicality for urban transportation and recreational purposes.
What Challenges Do Black Women Face in Accessing Cycling Resources?
Systemic issues like bike lane disparities, high e-bike costs, and cultural stereotypes hinder access. Many Black women live in “transit deserts” with inadequate infrastructure, forcing reliance on cars. BGDB tackles these challenges through grant programs, policy advocacy for equitable infrastructure funding, and visibility campaigns showcasing diverse riders.
A 2021 study revealed that predominantly Black neighborhoods have 40% fewer bike lanes compared to majority-white areas. This disparity exacerbates safety concerns, as riders often navigate poorly maintained roads or face harassment. BGDB addresses these issues by collaborating with urban planners to design inclusive bike networks and advocating for municipal budgets to prioritize underserved communities. Their “Rolling Forward” grant program has distributed over 200 e-bikes to low-income families since 2020, paired with free safety gear and insurance subsidies.
Why Are E-Bikes Critical to BGDB’s Equity Mission?
E-bikes reduce physical exertion, making cycling feasible for older adults or those with health conditions. They also bridge transportation gaps in car-dependent areas, offering a cost-effective alternative. BGDB emphasizes e-bikes as tools for economic mobility, enabling access to jobs, education, and healthcare while reducing carbon footprints.
How Can Policymakers Support BGDB’s Vision for Inclusive Cycling?
Lawmakers can expand e-bike rebate programs, prioritize protected bike lanes in Black neighborhoods, and fund bike-share systems in low-income areas. BGDB advocates for federal policies like the E-BIKE Act, which offers tax credits for e-bike purchases, and partnerships with transit agencies to integrate e-bikes into public transportation networks.
Local governments can adopt models like Denver’s successful e-bike rebate program, which allocated $3 million in 2023 to low-income residents. BGDB also urges cities to revise zoning laws to require bike parking in new housing developments and mandate equitable infrastructure investments in historically redlined districts. At the federal level, expanding the Biden administration’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Initiative could direct $1 billion toward closing cycling accessibility gaps by 2030.
What Role Do Corporate Partnerships Play in BGDB’s Success?
Companies like Rad Power Bikes and Trek collaborate with BGDB to donate e-bikes, sponsor events, and amplify outreach. These partnerships provide resources for grassroots initiatives while encouraging the cycling industry to address diversity gaps in marketing and product design.
| Company | Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rad Power Bikes | Donated 75 e-bikes | Supported 5 regional chapters |
| Trek Bicycles | Funded 10 repair clinics | Trained 300+ riders |
| Specialized | Sponsored scholarship program | Covered e-bike costs for 50 families |
Expert Views
“Monica Garrison’s work is transformative,” says Jamal Lewis, director of the Urban Cycling Foundation. “By centering Black women in e-bike advocacy, BGDB challenges the cycling industry to rethink inclusivity. Their community-first model proves that equitable access to sustainable transportation isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a matter of social justice.”
Conclusion
Black Girls Do Bike redefines cycling advocacy by prioritizing e-bikes as vehicles for equity. Through education, partnerships, and grassroots organizing, Monica Garrison’s initiative empowers Black women to lead the shift toward sustainable transportation—proving that inclusivity and innovation can pedal hand in hand.
FAQs
- How Can I Join Black Girls Do Bike?
- Visit blackgirlsdobike.com to find local chapters, sign up for rides, or apply for e-bike scholarships. Membership is free and open to all skill levels.
- Are E-Bikes Covered in BGDB’s Workshops?
- Yes. Workshops cover e-bike basics, including battery maintenance, legal regulations, and financial assistance programs.
- Does BGDB Advocate for Policy Changes?
- BGDB lobbies for infrastructure equity, e-bike subsidies, and anti-discrimination policies in cycling spaces. They also collaborate with organizations like the League of American Bicyclists.