Equity in Motion: National Brotherhood of Cyclists Conference

The National Brotherhood of Cyclists (NBC) 5th annual national conference is coming up: From July 15-19 advocates from across the country will travel to Minneapolis, MN, to discuss “Equity in Motion.”

The League is a sponsoring organization for the fifth annual event. We caught up with organizer and vice president of the NBC, Anthony Taylor, to discuss what’s on the docket for the upcoming national summit and what attendees can expect. Learn more about and register for the event at www.thenbc.bike.

Tell us more about the history of the National Brotherhood of Cyclists.

The National Brotherhood of Cyclists (the NBC) was founded on March 29, 2008, by a group of grass roots cycling clubs from around the country made up of African American Cyclists. Recognizing that diverse cycling clubs were developing all over the country, club leaders felt a national organization was needed to promote a love of cycling, increase diversity, and decrease the health disparities that affect their community and other communities around the country by bringing attention to the personal health and community health benefits of cycling. The NBC is an association of affiliate cycling clubs open to anyone regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. The NBC is working to establish itself as a “hub” for other cycling clubs and bicycling related organizations around the country that are working to be more inclusive and improve collaboration between communities of color with more established cycling advocacy groups, such as League of American Bicyclists, The Active Transportation Alliance, Safe Routes to School and the Alliance for Biking and Walking. 

The overall growth of African American cycling clubs is an example of how community based grassroots initiatives gain momentum. There are over 40 cycling clubs with the unique mission of increasing African American participation in cycling. What is special is the diversity of motivations to organize. Some are promoting health improvement, racing or increased transportation by bike. Others are strictly youth focused and other strictly women focused. The common ground for clubs that are part of the NBC network is their use of the bicycle as a vehicle for social change, community building and a commitment to improving access, participation and health for adults and children in the communities they call home. 

What’s the goal and/or mission of the organization and this event?

The goal of this NBC National Summit is to offer real interaction between organizations and individuals connected to communities of color, women and youth to those organizations committed to Bicycle Advocacy and Active Transportation. Our Theme is Equity and Inclusion in Motion. We will have many of the country’s new leaders in Bike Advocacy sharing the results of their work and sharing strategies and best practices in an interactive format.

What can attendees expect to learn at the conference?

They will learn new thinking and new strategies for promoting a more inclusive and diverse cycling movement. They will also be able to see what makes Minneapolis one of the world’s top cycling communities from an infrastructure and organizational stand point. They will be able to participate in actual community based initiatives, including: 

• Our youth bike giveaway and rodeo 
• The Major Taylor – Nice Ride community collaboration 
• The Major Taylor Family Fun Ride 
• The Launch of Slow Roll Minneapolis, hosted by the co-founder of Slow Roll Detroit, Jason Hall

We are also debuting research project, Equity in Motion, investigating emerging leadership and power/decision making related to bike infrastructure development. A unique element of the summit will be the variety of social events each day ranging from a reggae concert at the Surly Brewery, to a barbecue dinner overlooking the renowned Midtown Greenway. 

Who should attend the conference?

• Advocates and emerging advocates who are developing and executing equity strategies
• Anyone who loves urban bike culture 
• Sport cycling enthusiasts that get advocacy
• Anyone who wants to think, ride and socialize with others who love to ride bikes and bike people

Anything else you’d like to add?

We are running a contest along with Momentum Magazine for a bike giveaway.  Anyone who registers for Momentum’s digital magazine is put in the running for the bike.