I’ve been quietly working nonstop on my latest zine “Bikes Are Feminist” as a celebration of women’s history month in cycling. Bikes Are Feminist Zine is a zine about the historical legacy of feminism by bike and a celebration of todays women bike led movements. You’ve probably heard of celebrated women in history like Kittie Knox, the five Black women who bikepacked from NYC to D.C. in 1928, and the Afghan women and girls as the right to ride movement. In current movements around the world, bikes have played a central role in feminists movements from Ni Una Menos, Black Lives Matter, Right To Ride, Luna Rides, and Trans Rights Movements in sport. In this zine, I share these current collective movements to highlight the ongoing struggle for intersectional feminist liberation and how bikes are used as part of collective organizing.
This zine purposely uplifts stories of Black, Indigenous, Brown, femmes and trans women to counter mainstream feminism in cycling which is heavily centered on white women. All of which contribute to the erasure of women of color in cycling history and currently. And trust me when I say we have been doing the most in this industry to uplift our communities.
Here are a few other zines by women and other queer folks in cycling paving the way for our narratives to be told.
As cycling culture shifts and the radical nature of independent feminist media becomes more important, at CZ I will continue to be shaping future cycling narratives through an intersectional feminist lens and independent print. Supporting feminist WOC led independent media in cycling is critical to dismantling hegemonic narratives of cycling in the present and historical so we are seen and equipped with knowledge and skills to pedal towards a more just and inclusive cycling future.
If you’re part of CZ’s membership already, thank you and please enjoy your free access to Bikes Are Feminist Zine through your membership! I also have it in print, available on CZ shop website, so you can enjoy holding and reading the zine in your hands.
The nature of membership—small donations on a recurring schedule that we can count on — are the most sustainable way to support Cyclista Zine’s longterm growth. To get access to exclusive educational content, access to digital zines, and posts, join our membership via our website.