Metta Fund is proud to support Walk SF and other groups helping to make San Francisco a safer and healthier city for pedestrians and bicyclists. To learn about how this kind of community-based work ties into racial justice, read this excerpt from Elly Blue’s Bikenomics: How Bicycling Can Save the Economy, as featured on Alternet.
- Elly Blue shares how cycling has traditionally been portrayed as a white male activity, and bicycle-friendly streets are more likely to be placed in wealthier, Caucasian neighborhoods. However, she points out that there is nothing inherently white about biking, and goes on to share some of the ways that communities of color are creating, shaping, and benefitting from cycling culture.
- Groups such as Red, Bike, and Green, are helping to establish an African-American bicycling culture, and share how cycling can be a tool to improve health, save money, and reduce pollution and environmental factors that disproportionately affect communities of color.
- The Ovarian Psycos, a group of mostly chicana women, hold themed rides to bring together community and promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Andandos in Bicicletas en Cully is bringing secure bike parking and bicycle repair training to the Hacienda housing development in Portland, Oregon.
Research is showing that when given the tools, safe streets, and resources to ride, women and communities of color will participate. Metta Fund is committed to support efforts to create a more inclusive walking and bicycle culture here in San Francisco.