In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black-led cycling groups in the Metropolitan DC area. We’re lucky to have Black communities that encourage bicycle advocacy, education, and safety. Want to learn more or join a ride? Check out these two organizations and follow us on Twitter and Instagram, where we’ll spotlight Black-led cycling groups in the DC area.
Created in response to COVID-19, the Saturday Night Bike Club (SNBC) encouraged people to get outside and socialize during the early days of the pandemic. Since then, the group has continued to offer events that increase equitable access to cycling in DC, including rides that focus on youth mentorship and women.
The group organizes socially-paced rides between 12 and 30 miles long. SNBC rides across Washington, DC, but prioritizes Wards 7 and 8. Their rides have themes such as health and wellness, Black culture, Black history, and Black-owned businesses.
With rides that begin and end at Capital Bikeshare stations, people that don't own a bike can participate in their events. Check out this video that highlights the work of SNBC and consider participating in their spring scavenger hunt on March 12, 2022.
Instagram: @saturdaynightbikeclub
Facebook: @saturdaynightbikeclub
We Ride DC was founded in 2015 by two Black women as a way to heal after the passing of a loved one. The group initially started with rides in downtown Washington, DC, because the founders were surprised by how many locals had never visited the Washington Monument or other iconic landmarks.
We Ride DC hosts short and long rides at each event to provide opportunities for cyclists of all levels. The long ride, between 15 to 20 miles, is faster paced and the shorter, socially-paced ride is between 7 to 10 miles. Follow We Ride DC Bike Group’s social media channels for details about upcoming rides, including a Welcome Back ride on April 16, 2022.
Instagram: @weridedc
Facebook: @weridedc
Twitter: @weridedc