USA Cycling Launches "In Our Own Words", A New Storytelling Platform for USA Cycling members

USA Cycling published the first three stories on their newly launched storytelling platform, In Our Own Words.  The platform was created to give USA Cycling members a place to share their experiences, passions and interests in their own words – a space to talk about the things that are important to them. It is envisioned that stories will cover a range of topics including such things as mental health, diversity, inclusion, clean sport, overcoming adversity, SafeSport and more.

"In Our Own Words is aimed at giving our members a way to speak candidly about issues that are important to them so that we can start having critical conversations and addressing common issues within our community," said Kelsey Erickson, SafeSport Director for USA Cycling, "We are excited to provide a space for members to share their experiences and we hope that this platform will evolve into place where our members can feel heard, recognized, supported and able to engage in productive dialogue on the important issues raised."

The first set of articles feature the voices of some familiar faces in American Cycling, including Phil Gaimon and Katie Compton, as well as a contribution from an anonymous member, with topics ranging from Depression and Overcoming Injuries to defending the sanctity of cycling and its athletes through reporting SafeSport violations. 

"Our members need to know that we support them on and off the bike," said Rob DeMartini, President and CEO of USA Cycling, "Whether that is through giving them a place to report violations through SafeSport, providing an arena to share their sentiments or simply showing up to their local bike race and feeling an overwhelming sense of community, we are working towards ensuring our members have a sense of belonging within USA Cycling. The launch of In Our Own Words is one of many steps we are taking towards creating an open and inclusive environment where every cyclist is welcome."

To learn more about In Our Own Words, including how you can contribute a story, visit: http://usacycling.org/in-our-own-words

Visit USACycling.org for more information on the athletes, events and membership programs, and follow @USACycling across all channels for the latest on Team USA. 

For more information, contact Guillermo Rojas at grojas@usacycling.org

ABOUT USA CYCLING (usacycling.org)
USA Cycling is a proud member of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Within the United States, USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, and BMX. With a mission to develop the sport of cycling in the United States and to achieve sustained international racing success, USA Cycling supports cyclists at all levels, from those just beginning in the sport and participating in fun rides to seasoned professionals. The organization not only identifies, develops, and selects cyclists to represent the United States in international competition, but also supports amateur bike racing through grassroots development programs and the provision of critical infrastructure to run organized racing.

USA Cycling is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020. In 1920, the organization began as The Amateur Bicycle League of America and evolved to become the United States Cycling Federation in 1975 and ultimately USA Cycling, Inc. in 1995. USA Cycling's 100,000+ members are comprised of racers and cyclists of all ages and abilities, coaches, officials, mechanics, and race directors.