In 2020 members of Origin HQ (Toksy, Adisa, Pablo and Temi) put in action a plan to ride from Walthamstow to London in a group to inspire, motivate and support members of the black community. Part of this required gathering existing diversity driven cycling clubs to help marshal and publicise the ride.
In 6 weeks not only did they build an alliance they secured support from various sponsors.
There was a hunger a need felt allies and community members to step into a space where people of colour were not the the majority or represented.
Since then the Black Unity Bike Ride has become an important date in the communities calendar and the charity built around the event have gone on to facilitate futher activations and initiatives in the community.
From Velodrome and group riding sessions at the Lee Valley Velopark to monthly challenges to activate body and mind. The standard has been set and with every year the BUBR event grows and brings in additional partners to provide an inclusive space for the community and its allies.
This year BUBR partnered with Black Eats London to provide a space where post ride participants could come together and socialise with good food.
What will the 2023 event be like? well the only way to find out is to sign up or better yet volunteer check out the BLACK UNITY BIKE RIDE website for more details.
Pictures by Josh Gordon
