Guiding Principles and Rider Expectations

Melanin Base Miles (“MBM”) is a DMV-based effort to increase access and remove barriers to dirt-based cycling disciplines for riders who are Black, Indigenous, and/or other people of color (BIPOC). Within Melanin Base Miles, we believe that Black lives matter and that trans rights are human rights. 

This guide was created by Melanin Base Miles’ Board of Directors to ensure that all Melanin Base Miles programs, including the club and its rides and events, further Melanin Base Miles’ mission. The below guiding principles direct our organization in its every day actions and the below rider expectations apply to any person participating in an MBM program, including MBM Club Members and ride/event participants. 

Melanin Base Miles has adopted a modified version of Radical Adventure Riders’ Guiding Principles. 

Trust Intent, Acknowledge Impact: to execute our mission, we must work together and trust one another. But we are human and will make mistakes. When we do, we pause and listen to one another. 

Respect Indigenous Stewardship of Land: we ride on native land and actively engage in learning about the land we ride on. https://native-land.ca/ 

Practice Consent: we ask for consent before touching people or their bikes, when giving advice, and/or taking photos. 

Honor Language an Individual Chooses for Themselves: we do not monitor identities.

Don’t Assume, Let People Share, Or Ask When Appropriate: we do not make assumptions about another’s gender, race, ability, skill level, or knowledge.

Avoid Harmful Language: we avoid ableist, ageist, racist and gendered language. As a group, we are BIPOC cyclists of all genders and gender expressions. 

Do Not Shame: we have varying levels of experience, opportunity, and financial access. 

Work Towards Collective Understanding: our collective goal and mission necessitates that we move forward together. 

Recognize Wholeness: we acknowledge the human need for rest and self-love. 

Make Space and Step Back: Melanin Base Miles is an intentionally created space for riders who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or other people of color. 

On the Bike

• Riders are required to wear a helmet and ride a properly maintained bike that is appropriate for the type of ride and terrain. 
• Riders are expected to show up to rides prepared for their chosen route and ride conditions. 
• Riders are expected to obey traffic laws and follow directions from MBM ride leaders. 
• Riders are to ride in a predictable and controlled manner, signaling their intentions to other riders and road users. 
• Riders are to be alert and mindful of their surroundings which includes being considerate of other riders, road and trail users, and the surrounding environment inclusive of animals. 
• In competition, riders are to respect the rules and race officials and are expected to compete fairly. 

Off the Bike

• Individuals must represent MBM in a positive manner and in furtherance of the organization’s mission. 
• Individuals should support and encourage others by acknowledging the importance of diversity and community, being supportive of one another’s goals, and encouraging of others, especially newcomers and those with underrepresented backgrounds.
• Individuals must respect the land upon which we ride and recreate, and leave property and facilities used during MBM activities undisturbed.