Niner Solidarity Letter Afterword by Amanda Nauman
Last week we posted this video from Niner Bikes that included a written letter by Amanda Nauman to the cycling community. Since then we’ve connected with Amanda to learn more about the experience and background of the Niner Solidarity Project. We certainly appreciate this sincere epilogue and hope you do as well. All photos by Dakota Snider.
Solidarity Letter Afterword
by Amanda Nauman
The genesis of this project was a conversation we had with Niner's Marketing Manager, Zachary Vestal, about how great it was to see bicycles having a moment of recognition during the global pandemic. We were going to make a video about how bikes aren't canceled and they're this great tool for freedom of movement and to escape during these difficult times. Right as I was planning to write the letter for the background of the video, the protests and civil unrest developed and it didn't feel right to ignore the movement taking place. We chose to acknowledge both issues that have challenged our country during this time and that left me with the task of penning a letter to our cycling community in regards to it all.
I honestly struggled with how to address both topics, but after several hours of reading I kept seeing the word "solidarity" being used in some form or another. My understanding of solidarity after reading many articles is one of a sense of unity and the belief that human beings have a moral duty to work together for the benefit of all. Whether we are confronting a pandemic, inequality, racism or gender-based discrimination, solidarity is defined by how we understand and enact our responsibilities to each other. I couldn't help but see that cyclists are inherently good at this, whether or not they recognize it.
While the bike can be both a form of transportation or an outlet for exercise, the commuter and the bike racer will wave at each other on the path. We have an understanding of acceptance and equality that I’ve always been proud to be a part of and I hope others can learn from. Sure, cycling has its own set of challenges and issues that it's working through. I'm not saying we're perfect at this. But as far as I can tell, people within our community have consistently stood up for one another and it's something worth celebrating and sharing during this difficult time.
A brief look at history illustrates that solidarity is rooted in some idea of what it means to be “us.” As cyclists, we know what defines "us" and we care about that deeply. I hope this video emphasizes that point and inspires everyone to carry that mindset into all aspects of life. Through this trying time we will draw closer as a community and do everything in our power to build a culture where everyone feels safe, valued and welcome.
The Letter
Dear Cycling Community,
Solidarity.
It is mutual support within a group of people, often with common interests or experiences. It is a feeling… And our team believes that solidarity should evoke action to work together for the benefit of all.
When we see that one human life on a bicycle is experiencing injustice, we must advocate for them.
Whether we look at our society as a whole or on a smaller scale within the cycling community, we believe no life is less important than another.
Cyclists know solidarity.
We ride together to support campaigns that we believe in.
We experience freedom of movement on a bicycle.
We express ourselves and explore unfamiliar paths.
We welcome newcomers to the sport.
We advocate for safe transportation.
Whether we use our bikes to commute or to race, let’s wave at each other on the path. Let’s demonstrate solidarity and respect toward one another while on the bike… and let that translate to our lives off the bike, a model we hope others can learn from.
Let us define this moment in history the way we wish to remember it: when we all said in one voice that we demand better from everyone, and from ourselves, for the benefit of all.
Sincerely,
Nick Nelson, Andrew Parker, Amanda Nauman, Brandon Baker, David Sheek, Dakota Snider