The legacy of male supremacy in cycling will continue to replicate these paradigms of hetero-patriarchy unless we start seeing that complex whole as a culture and community with members committed to creating something else.

The Pinarello ad is a primo example of this display of Patriarchy in Cycling, but it’s just a part of the picture. I would go as far to say that cycling culture as a whole has a bedrock of Patriarchy, as in, the system of domination that gives males power and privilege at the expense of non-males. Working from this definition, we can all agree that the messaging that comes from cycling culture currently is male-curated and thusly male dominated. Let’s think about cycling culture currentlyĪnthropologist Edward Taylor, defines culture as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by as a member of society”. Anyone who is alive today and semi-conscious will be able to filter through one of many of reasons why this ad is pretty shitty, but I wanna unpack this beyond the glaring sexism.

Thirdly, and most importantly, heteronormative patriarchy.

Secondly, what kind of a douche invisible boyfriend is he that he’s not riding with gorgeous Emma?.

Wrong! Ask Lael Wilcox how wrong- she won the un-supported Trans Am race a few years back.

Firstly, it suggests that Emma can not possibly be as fast as her invisible boyfriend on a bicycle.

Oh Em Gee, guys, did you hear about that sexist Pinarello e-bike ad? Sooooo the ad, which has been taken down because of backlash from baddies everywhere, celebrated their e-bike from the narrative of 24-year old girlfriend and “couple rider”, Emma, who can finally ride a bike with her boyfriend now. And follow goodolenam! In Defense of Girlfriends If you love this post like I do, share it not only with your womyn/femme/trans/non-binary friends, but your friends who are men, too. Nam is an inspiration to me as a cyclist and activist and I hope that you’ll feel something from their writing, too. It’s important to me on a personal level and is also significant for the work that I do in BikePGH’s Women & Biking Program. I follow goodolenam because I want and need more womyn perspectives on bicycling in my life. Nam gave us permission to re-blog and I am very happy to be sharing their writing with you on BikePGH’s network. I follow a womyn cyclist named Nam on Instagram and WordPress and they recently posted about the issue of sexism in cycling culture–something near and dear to my heart. You may know me because you’re a member of BikePGH or we’ve met at a women’s ride or workshop.

Our Bodies, Our Bikes by Elly Blue