Chamois Butt'r athlete Dr. Meg Fisher's work to include Para-Cycling Categories at Gravel and Mountain Bike Events

More brands and events are championing diversity, equity, and inclusion principles now more than ever. We’re excited to work with athletes, like Dr. Meg Fisher, who is working to create equity on behalf of all athletes. Her immediate goal is to include para-cycling in all gravel and mtb events across the country and around the world.  

“15% of the global population has a physical impairment.  Bicycles are exceptional tools that enable people to challenge themselves and redefine their abilities. DEI principals present an opportunity for para-athletes to compete against peers and be acknowledged on an equal playing field.”

After a successful racing career with Team USA’s National and Paralympics teams, earning World Championships and gold at the Games as well as earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Meg’s plans include: 

1. Helping our cycling community evolve into the best version it can be through collaborating with race organizers to include para-cycling categories in gravel and mtb events.   
2. Encourage the cycling community to adopt the universal and international terminology “para-cyclist” to describe athletes with physical impairments.
3. Outline what defines a “para-cyclist” using the International Paralympic Committee guidelines and what adaptive equipment is permitted in gravel and mtb events. 
4. Attract athletes who are (1) new to cycling (2) have never participated in an event (3) discover motivation/ambition to explore their abilities in an endurance event

“DEI principals present an opportunity for para-athletes to compete on a level playing field.” 

👉Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting. 

👉Equity is the process of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for individuals. 

👉Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging in the space.

In 2021 Rebecca’s Private Idaho became the first gravel event to include para-cycling categories. SBT GRVL has announced para-cycling categories for 2022 and more events across the country are soon to follow. Stay tuned! 

If you’re also passionate about these efforts, we encourage you to reach out to Meg, connect her with your local event organizers and follow Meg on social here.