USAC is failing to get people into cycling?

[TrackCynic]

I came across some interesting stats today. British Cycling has 75,000 members out of a UK population of 63 million - USA Cycling has around 70,000 members from a US population of 314 million.

That's about 500% better in the UK than the US.

I know the UK has seen a huge surge in cycling popularity over the past 10 years based on Olympic and road success but BC also seem to do a hell of a lot to promote riding in general and are getting a lot of kids on bikes, into clubs and competing in large numbers.

Conversely, it seems to be that USAC are completely failing at growing the sport in the USA and seem to be only interested in elite cycling and promoting masters. The large cycling brands (Trek, Specialized, Giro, etc) also seem to do very little to encourage adoption of the sport.

What do you think it would take to change this and get road cycling to the levels it should rightly be in the US? How do we get more kids into cycling?

 

[86TDFWinner]

I agree with you, that it seems many only seem to care about the pro/elite stuff. I'm sure you, I, (and others) are in the minority, as we've been cycling fans for a bit of time. Some of these folks may be casual cycling fans, so the numbers are skewed obviously. I also believe Wonderboy's fall from grace, plays a key role in that as well. Cycling(IMO) has always kind of been viewed as a "niche" sport here in the US, as opposed to other countries. I've liked/followed cycling since 1985, it bugs me to see that the sport hasn't grown. I also think cost plays a factor as well, most good road bikes are expensive, as is the gear. That turns off some to the sport, as some cannot afford it. I've always tried to promote it myself by telling folks how wonderful the sport is. Just riding IMO, is wonderful. I wish there were more of a concentrated effort to grow the sport in the US.


Also, there aren't many US road races anymore, to expose the wonderful sport to the folks in the US. Yes we have a few, but nothing like before with the Coors Classic, or the Tour De Trump, etc. I think if there were more good US races, and the top(CLEAN)riders were to race in them, that would open up the sport to many more here in the states. Maybe a NASCAR type point system, where they race so many races, and they get points, and someone can win the US leg of the races, or something(I know they have something like that in place for the overseas races?), For instance, win the Amgen, or the US pro race in Colorado, you're at the top of the list team wise. You don't show, you should be fined. Give the riders more incentive to come to the US(maybe even have something similar to the FED Ex Cup in Golf). It couldn't hurt.

Just my take on it.

 

[avanti]

Here in the Boulder, CO, area cycling is very popular but I don't know how many cyclists belong to USA Cycling.

I feel the media should pay more attention to cycling. Even in my area Katie Compton got zero press in the Denver Post newspaper after winning the US CX nationals (I emailed in a report so no excuse). USAC needs to have a media person who gets out information on bike races before and after events.

Cycling is also an expensive sport to get into for a lot of people - bike, pumps, clothing, maintainance, USAC licence fees, entry fees, etc add up to money a lot of people do not have. Fortunately in my area younger kids get free entry into some races.

 

[oldcrank]

I have no idea what is done in America, but in the UK
there has been a lot of time, effort and of course
money invested in talent identification and recruitment
programs. For example, British Cycling will take a few
Watt Bikes to schools and community sports centres
and put on a fun event that will identify talent and
expose cycling to a very large percentage of British
children and teenagers.

As for the cost of cycling, I think the way it used to
be done some places is ideal. Kids up to a certain age
were restricted to single-speed bikes. Flip the rear
wheel around from fixed to free and have one set of
bars with brake levers cables and brakes attached
and one set without and you are good to go for track,
criteriums, time-trials and hill-climbs (even cyclo-cross
with a change of rubber).

That also makes it easier for kids and parents to
learn about and do most maintenance as well as
reducing the initial costs of participation.

I think even today in Australia up to and including
U17's are restricted to spoked clinchers with metal
rims, and only clip-ons for time-trials. So rules can
be put in place to help keep costs down.

 

[Catwhoorg]

I can tell you about the Skyride scheme in the UK, keep seeing promotion of the upcoming one on twitter etc.

I couldn't tell you if there is a closed road group ride in Atlanta, which I'd happily participate in.

That speaks volumes about how BC are getting folks out, compared to what goes on in the US.

 

[BroDeal]

Conversely, it seems to be that USAC are completely failing at growing the sport in the USA and seem to be only interested in elite cycling and promoting masters. The large cycling brands (Trek, Specialized, Giro, etc) also seem to do very little to encourage adoption of the sport.

It's USAC. Ignoring the grass roots is what they do. Look at what they did to MTBing after destroying NORBA

If you want to see growth then look at cyclocross. With most of that coming from outside the aegis of USAC, USAC has not been able to screw it up yet. Give them time, though.

 

[Master50]

I see very small increases in the numbers of licensed riders but the participation in cycling as a social and physical activity has been growing steadily over the years. In 1986 there were 3 racing clubs here and now there are a dozen. Then there are the social groups. We used to se 40 to 80 riders out on the peninsula in the 80s and 90s. Now most warm weekends see 1000. But not much increase in racers except in Masters. Now masters are still mostly people who raced earlier in life. Ie not many newbie racers but a few. This is not USA cycling either. but similar demographics.
My point is I have seen a vast increase in cycling participation and interest as a recreational activity but racing is a step for fewer people.
Can a sports governing body increase membership? I see some think they can do the opposite quite well

 

[TrackCynic]

A governing body can certainly increase membership AND overall bike usage - that's what BC have done (with help from local government and Sky, of course).

True, there has been a vast increase - from 40 to 80 riders to about 1,000, but most of those riders (that I see anyway) are 40+ years old - it's like cycling is the new golf here. There's far too much emphasis on masters racing and not enough on participation rides where people of all abilities (and, most importantly, ages and wallet size) can get a taste for the best sport in the world.

I see loads of kids on fixies and mountain bikes but USAC is making ZERO effort to get them over to the road, joining clubs and, just maybe - racing. Today, we are lucky to see 30 kids turn up to a crit. For god's sake, lacrosse is better organized!

 

[DirtyWorks]

It's USAC. Ignoring the grass roots is what they do. Look at what they did to MTBing after destroying NORBA

If you want to see growth then look at cyclocross. With most of that coming from outside the aegis of USAC, USAC has not been able to screw it up yet. Give them time, though.

Sums it up nicely. Check out OBRA's stats. Much, much more racing.

One step forward is to get one promoter in your area to sanction under either NABRA or ABR.

http://www.ambikerace.com/

http://www.uscx.org/schedule

USAC has zero interest in participation rates. Zero.

 

[stainlessguy1]

I came across some interesting stats today. British Cycling has 75,000 members out of a UK population of 63 million - USA Cycling has around 70,000 members from a US population of 314 million.

That's about 500% better in the UK than the US.

I know the UK has seen a huge surge in cycling popularity over the past 10 years based on Olympic and road success but BC also seem to do a hell of a lot to promote riding in general and are getting a lot of kids on bikes, into clubs and competing in large numbers.

Conversely, it seems to be that USAC are completely failing at growing the sport in the USA and seem to be only interested in elite cycling and promoting masters. The large cycling brands (Trek, Specialized, Giro, etc) also seem to do very little to encourage adoption of the sport.

What do you think it would take to change this and get road cycling to the levels it should rightly be in the US? How do we get more kids into cycling?

That is a hard sell in America .
Just for starters , North America has vast portions of the continent that is absolutely not cycling friendly . The fact that these portions of endless flats or desert or areas where it is not possible to really do any sort of safe and effective cycling should be removed when calculating the percentage of rider growth as related to population .
By removing these areas , you also reduce the populace that make up the percentage calculation .
Secondly , the fact that the road network was established with the growth of the auto industry and its vast distances that these networks have to cover also will not let any sort of ideology prosper as we see the Europeans enjoy . The fact that the distances are closer between villages and the numerous paved farm roads that cyclists enjoy are just not financially fundable .
It is hard to get persons to pick up a sport on dirt , when being passed consistently by farm tractor trailers kicking up dust .
Other northern areas have only one main road and the only subdivisions that have paved or reasonable roads , link up a criterium at best for training .
Eventually it becomes a bore riding up the same road day after day .
It is hard for Europeans to really fathom just how large North America is .
That should answer some of the questions as to why its a tough sell and only persons partaking in the sport in the best of areas , will effectively enjoy the sport , where as others will think the opposite.

The last thing about the modern era of cycling is that it has virtually priced itself out of the market , as a commuter and all mans sport .
The cultural demographics and its relationship to poverty is higher in the USA than any other western nation .
The fact that the huge amount of the populace that cant even afford medicare to get well , or end up losing their homes with just a small operation or whatever they need to do to sustain basic life does not lend itself well too dropping over 5,000 dollars for a basic competitive racing bike . Never mind buying into cheaper bikes to train with .
Here is the thing , as a family you don't get away with just buying one bike . You really need to buy one for each member , and that adds up ,
Please all of you do the math , a family of 4 ,,, the bikes , the clothing the helmets the shoes etc.
With 70% of the populace in the USA not doing to well , please subtract that from the calculation and you will get totally different percentages .

In Short ,In the UK , how long do you have too ride/ or train to get to your favourite pub and relate that to how long an American has to ride too get to a pub that will only result in a stolen bike.

It is and forever will be a hard sell in North America .
ON the bright side , even the small increase has put cycling on the map and made things easier and created a new following .
I of course hope the following continues and that municipalities see the virtue of a healthier populace as well as the employers that see a fitter work force .

 

[DirtyWorks]

That is a hard sell in America .

In this case, competitive cycling, road access has little to do with participation. The British participants in this forum can probably attest to their poor access, yet historically higher participation rates.

The last thing about the modern era of cycling is that it has virtually priced itself out of the market , as a commuter and all mans sport .

Again, a failure on the part of the federation. They could regulate easy access to competition with equipment limits, or something, but won't.

USA Cycling is a revenue maximizing endeavour having no interest in increased levels of participation.

 

[oldcrank]

There is no doubt that both Canada and The United States of America
will have geographical issues when trying to develop a national cycle
racing program when compared to the United Kingdom but certainly
not when compared to Australia.

I would also suggest that instead of one rider buying a 5000 dollar
road bike it would be better for a club to buy seven 700 dollar or
five 1000 dollar track bikes that will last years with very minimal
maintenance (and perhaps occasional tyre replacement).

Of course, until the USA has an established network of clubs with
accredited coaches and a desire to provide kids the opportunity
to train and race on a safe circuit or a track, the point is moot.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Of course, until the USA has an established network of clubs with
accredited coaches and a desire to provide kids the opportunity
to train and race on a safe circuit or a track, the point is moot.

Oh, but they do. The regions where there is enough population density, there are indeed well established clubs. USAC sanctions coaches now too. But, still no growth in participation. It's simply not a priority for the federation.

Charging for development camps and World Championship trips is a much higher priority.

 

[oldcrank]

Oh, but they do. The regions where there is enough population density, there are indeed well established clubs. USAC sanctions coaches now too. But, still no growth in participation. It's simply not a priority for the federation.

Yes, I agree. My sentence would have been better structured as:
"Until the USAC has a desire to provide kids an opportunity to train and
race on a safe circuit or track, and there is an established network
of clubs with accredited coaches, my point is moot."

In other words, yes, the National Federation has an important,
possibly the most important, role to play in growing the sport.

 

[Race Radio]

The areas of growth in the US are

High School Mountain biking
Endurance Mountain biking
College road racing
Cross

USAC has little to do with any of them

 

[mewmewmew13]

Agree that cycling in the US seems to be for kids in families that have higher income. Just one bike doesn't cut it…in Boulder you need to keep up with the wealthier kids and equipment or you find it harder to win…esp in CX and road where travel seems to be a huge expense.

So many are struggling with daily living expenses in our country and the $$ for the kids needs to come from the parents for the most part.

I know I'm leaving out a huge part of the equation but it is an expensive sport to start kids out in..

 

[86TDFWinner]

I would also suggest that instead of one rider buying a 5000 dollar
road bike it would be better for a club to buy seven 700 dollar or
five 1000 dollar track bikes that will last years with very minimal
maintenance (and perhaps occasional tyre replacement).
.

LOL, good luck with this........I don't know of ANY bike that doesn't need maintenance of some sort for years, and at the prices you're stating. No "pro team" is going to buy bikes like that. I get what you're saying though, there's just no sense in someone buying a $5 k roadie, unless they're training for the tour.

 

[oldcrank]

LOL, good luck with this........I don't know of ANY bike that doesn't need maintenance of some sort for years, and at the prices you're stating. No "pro team" is going to buy bikes like that. I get what you're saying though, there's just no sense in someone buying a $5 k roadie, unless they're training for the tour.

Well, my friend, if you reread my post, I said 'minimal maintenance'
not 'no maintenance' and I said 'club' not 'pro team'.

I belonged to a club for years that had a TdF yellow jersey wearer,
an Olympic gold medalist and several World Masters Champions
among it's membership and they had a fleet of bikes similar to
these:http://www.hillbrick.com.au/hillbri...s/track-fixie-bicycles/hillbrick-pista-detail
http://www.hillbrick.com.au/hillbri...rack-fixie-bicycles/hillbrick-pista-20-detail
and they only need minimal maintenance because they are only used
on a concrete track when it is not raining.

Kids can join youth programs and train with an accredited coach
without even owning a bike.

(EDIT: I'm not suggesting the Olympic Gold or the World Masters
Championships were won on 999 dollar bikes. The club bikes are
for youth programs as well as any member, regardless of age, to
train or race on. Of course, the club has some high end bikes
and wheels for it's elite racing team.)

 

[fatandfast]

missed boat

The USAC is taking the easy path to profits. They spend little time on kids with little cash and unlimited free time and choices and go after grown men with jobs and credit cards. Cyclocross is at the front of the pack with people falling in love with the dirt and romance. The USAC is dumping money into cyclocross to extract dollars from older racers. The growth numbers show that it is working.

In the past the USAC has further divided the age groups so that a 40yo racer will race against a guy around his age and greatly increase his chances of a result.This kind of "everybody is a winnner" kind of thinking is everywhere and USAC is no different. This watering down of US racing has all but turned small crits into all day affairs .

People want to be in big bunches and pay to do Gran Fondo type sh*t all over the place because the USAC doesn't offer it. The USAC execs know who they are after and it is not Jr. racers. Anybody that has watched any Jr racing in the US knows that a big field is 40 kids, while the masters groups require multiple races to satisfy the demand by the 30+ racers.

 

[ustabe]

The areas of growth in the US are

High School Mountain biking
Endurance Mountain biking
College road racing
Cross

USAC has little to do with any of them

High school MTB racing is getting really big around here. I think one of its positives is that it involves families and the high school is a natural development club.

The regions that have development clubs have youth participation. Velodromes, family-owned bike shops, and ancillary sports like speed skating and xc ski racing help, too. But USAC has never been into grass-roots development beyond collecting license fees.

 

[DirtyWorks]

High school MTB racing is getting really big around here. I think one of its positives is that it involves families and the high school is a natural development club..

The BMX formula outside the UCI. It works.

At least in the U.S. USAC is busy trying to shut down NICA. (the high school org.) It will happen. They have a government granted monopoly.

 

[Race Radio]

High school MTB racing is getting really big around here. I think one of its positives is that it involves families and the high school is a natural development club.

The regions that have development clubs have youth participation. Velodromes, family-owned bike shops, and ancillary sports like speed skating and xc ski racing help, too. But USAC has never been into grass-roots development beyond collecting license fees.

This is a key thing, all of these growth areas are "Inclusionary". USCF is far from it.

 

[TrackCynic]

I don't buy the geography hypothesis at all for USAC's lack of grass roots efforts. If you just took California alone, it has great roads, weather, mountains, local bike manufacturers, cafes, etc - everything a road cyclist can wish for. And a population of 38 million of which maybe only 25,000 are USAC members. In California we are struggling to get any kind of help from USAC or our local bike giants (Specialized, Felt, Shimano US, Giro) to create non-elite inclusive events for road cycling.

 

[Le breton]

Things don't seem to have changed since the period 1968-1978 when I lived in the US and was appalled to see the ABLA trying to build the cycling pyramid on its tip

 

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Given the massive public funding at BC's disposal, it would be criminal if they couldn't get more people involved.

BC's annual budget 2013 was ~ £24 million (nearly US$40 million).

BTW, BC membership is circa 81,000.


USAC annual budget is a little over US$2 million, or just 5% of what BC has at its disposal.

It sounds to me like expectations are not in line with budget reality.



Cycling Australia's membership is ~25,000 (41% are masters licences - although many masters maintain an elite licence as here they can race both open and masters events so the real number is probably 45-50%), and closer to 50,000 members if you include MTB & BMX members.

CA annual budget is ~ A$15 million (~US$13 million).