Last week, we published a piece on iBikeRide asking a simple question:

“What’s it like to be a person of colour in and around the UK MTB scene?”

We Asked a Question About Race in MTB — Here’s What Happened

Estimated reading time: 1 minute and 33 seconds

Last week, we published a piece on iBikeRide asking a simple, open question:

“What’s it like to be a person of colour in and around the UK MTB scene?”

We created an anonymous survey and opened the comments, inviting riders to share their experiences — good, bad, or unremarkable. Whether people had felt welcome, faced barriers, or just found it all totally normal, we wanted to listen and learn.

We shared the article with friendly partner groups and communities led by riders of colour. It reached forums, social media pages, and inboxes across the UK.

And the response?

Mostly silence.
And, in one Facebook group, a wave of backlash — over 40 comments labelling the post as offensive, divisive, or “woke.” The thread quickly turned toxic. We removed it to protect the space and take a moment to reflect.

So what do we take from that?

First: we still believe the question matters. Mountain biking should feel open and inclusive to anyone, no matter their background. Listening to people is a strength, not a threat.

Second: the silence itself says something. We don’t know exactly what — it could reflect disinterest, fatigue, caution, or just not the right moment. Whatever the reason, we’re not here to force it. We’re still listening, and the door stays open.

Third: it’s also clear that for many, mountain biking simply feels normal. That’s valid too. If your identity hasn’t shaped your MTB experience in any particular way, that’s still part of the bigger picture.

Where We Go From Here

We’re not here to force the conversation — just to make sure there’s room for anyone who wants to share their experience.

So, we’re still here. Still listening. And still hopeful that more voices will join the conversation. If you’ve got something to share, we’re here to hear it.

👉 You can still share your story anonymously here: https://tally.so/r/wA9Xvz

📄 Read the original article here: https://ibikeride.com/news/whats-it-like-to-be-a-person-of-colour-in-and-around-the-uk-mtb-scene

Read: 59 times Published: 06/04/2025