A new report and toolkit, “Why Aren’t You Mountain Biking?” has been released, urging trail associations, community groups, and passionate individuals to take concrete steps towards making mountain biking genuinely open and inclusive for everyone.
Funded by PayDirt and produced by Ride Sheffield and Mòr Diversity, this comprehensive guide is built on extensive research and real-world experiences, offering practical solutions to dismantle barriers within the mountain biking community.
Jasmin Patel (left) and Aneela McKenna (right).
Here are the details from the release:
Despite mountain biking’s powerful ability to connect people with nature and improve well-being, many individuals still feel excluded. The report asks, “Why aren’t you mountain biking?” not as a challenge, but as a crucial call to action.
We believe mountain biking has the power to bring people together, improve mental and physical well-being, and foster a deep connection with nature. However, our research confirms that not everyone feels welcome. Our findings show that 38.4% of all respondents believe mountain biking culture is inclusive. This drops significantly among underrepresented communities: just 22.7% of people of colour individuals, 22.5% of LGBTQ+ individuals, and 19.33% of disabled individuals perceive the culture as inclusive – Aneela McKenna from Mòr Diversity
Key Findings and Barriers Explored
The “Why Aren’t You Mountain Biking?” report is the culmination of insights gathered from over 400 survey respondents and in-depth discussions with community leaders and riders. It highlights several critical barriers:
- Affordability & Knowledge Gaps: For those starting out, affordability (22%), access to kit (15%), and knowledge about trails (21%) are major constraints.
- Perception of Risk: While 78% of riders cite well-being and mental health as their primary motivation, non-riders often view the sport as dangerous and risky, influenced by media portrayals focusing on “thrills and risk” (only 9.5% of riders’ motivation).
- Lack of Accessible Pathways: An overwhelming 79% of respondents discovered mountain biking through friends, family, or partners, underscoring a reliance on personal connections rather than formal entry points like schools (3.2%) or cycling clubs (6.2%).
- Homogenous Representation: The media often portrays mountain biking as male-dominated, with a perceived lack of racial diversity and an emphasis on the “extreme.” This contributes to feelings of being an outsider for many.
A Practical Roadmap for Change
This toolkit offers a progressive roadmap for fostering inclusion in mountain biking, guiding users through different stages, much like advancing from green to black graded trails, encouraging users to start where they feel most ready and to continuously learn and adapt, taking practical steps to evolve their approach.
“This toolkit provides actionable steps, complete with checklists and inspiring case studies from groups like Rider Resilience, Bristol Shredders, and The Adaptive Riders Collective,” explains Henry Norman from Ride Sheffield. “It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we shift our focus to people, ensuring mountain biking is truly for everyone.”
Driving Future Impact
“Why Aren’t You Mountain Biking?” is more than just a report; it’s a call for continuous engagement and adaptation. It encourages groups to start somewhere, measure progress, share their stories, and provide a voice for the mountain bike community. “We’re incredibly proud to have funded this vital initiative,” states Katie Zaffke from PayDirt. “It provides the community with the tools to foster authentic, lasting change, making mountain biking a more open, welcoming space for all.’’
The “Why Aren’t You Mountain Biking?” report and toolkit are available for download on the Reframing Mountain Biking website.
