Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy

Last Updated: 26.06.2026

1. Purpose

SheRides Collective believes that mountain biking should be welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone who wishes to participate.

Our purpose is to reduce barriers to participation, create supportive communities and increase opportunities for women to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of mountain biking.

This policy sets out our commitment to promoting equality, celebrating diversity and fostering inclusive environments where all participants, volunteers, ambassadors and partners are treated fairly and with respect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all SheRides activities, including:

  • Community social rides

  • Coaching sessions

  • Mountain bike retreats

  • Skills workshops

  • Events

  • Volunteer programmes

  • Online communities

  • Partnerships and collaborations

It applies to:

  • Directors

  • Volunteer ambassadors

  • Coaches

  • Contractors

  • Participants

  • Volunteers

  • Anyone representing SheRides.

3. Our Commitment

SheRides is committed to creating environments where everyone feels:

  • Welcome

  • Safe

  • Valued

  • Respected

  • Included

  • Supported to participate at their own pace

We recognise that people experience different barriers to participation and that creating genuinely inclusive opportunities requires us to actively consider these differences when planning and delivering our activities.

We are committed to treating everyone fairly and with dignity, regardless of:

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Ethnicity or race

  • Gender identity

  • Marital or civil partnership status

  • Pregnancy or maternity

  • Religion or belief

  • Sexual orientation

  • Socioeconomic background

  • Previous sporting experience

4. What Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Means at SheRides

For us, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion means more than treating everyone the same.

It means recognising that some people face greater barriers to participating in mountain biking and taking positive steps to reduce those barriers wherever reasonably possible.

This may include:

  • Creating welcoming female-led environments.

  • Delivering beginner-friendly activities.

  • Using inclusive language and imagery.

  • Keeping community rides free to attend.

  • Choosing accessible venues where possible.

  • Listening to feedback from participants.

  • Working with organisations that share our commitment to increasing participation and representation within mountain biking.

5. Our Responsibilities

SheRides will:

  • Promote a culture of kindness, respect and inclusion.

  • Challenge discrimination, harassment and bullying.

  • Ensure policies and procedures reflect our commitment to equality.

  • Encourage diverse participation across our activities.

  • Consider accessibility when planning events.

  • Work collaboratively with organisations that share our values.

  • Regularly review our practices to identify opportunities for improvement.

Our ambassadors and volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat everyone fairly and respectfully.

  • Welcome new participants.

  • Encourage participation without judgement.

  • Use inclusive language.

  • Challenge inappropriate behaviour where appropriate.

  • Report any concerns regarding discrimination, harassment or exclusion.

Participants are expected to:

  • Respect fellow riders.

  • Help create welcoming environments.

  • Behave in ways that support inclusion and enjoyment for everyone.

6. Removing Barriers

Reducing barriers to participation is central to SheRides' mission.

We recognise that barriers may include:

  • Confidence

  • Cost

  • Lack of female role models

  • Access to local riding communities

  • Perceptions that mountain biking is only for experienced riders

  • Limited opportunities to learn fundamental skills

We aim to address these barriers by:

  • Delivering free community social rides.

  • Developing female coaches and leaders.

  • Creating clear pathways into the sport through beginner coaching.

  • Building supportive local communities.

  • Celebrating participation rather than performance.

7. Partnerships

SheRides believes meaningful change is achieved through collaboration.

We actively seek to work with organisations, land managers, community groups and industry partners who share our commitment to improving equality and participation within mountain biking.

Where possible, we will contribute positively to the wider mountain biking community by sharing knowledge, supporting inclusive initiatives and promoting opportunities that benefit the sport as a whole.

8. Reporting Concerns

SheRides has zero tolerance for discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses behaviour inconsistent with this policy is encouraged to raise their concerns with an ambassador or the Directors.

Concerns will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and addressed appropriately in accordance with our Safeguarding & Participant Welfare Policy and Complaints Procedure.

9. Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is an ongoing commitment.

We will continue to review our activities, seek participant feedback and work with partners to identify opportunities to improve accessibility, representation and participation.

As SheRides grows, we will continue to learn, adapt and evolve to ensure our activities remain welcoming, inclusive and relevant to the communities we serve.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation, organisational activities or best practice guidance changes.

All ambassadors and volunteers will be expected to support the principles outlined within this policy.