Inclusive Cycling Starts With Words: Why Language Matters More Than You Think
Language shapes how people see themselves and how they are welcomed into communities.
In cycling, the words we use can either open doors or create barriers. For disabled people, language often influences confidence, belonging, and whether someone feels cycling is “for them”.
At Get Cycling CIC, we believe inclusive cycling starts long before someone sits on a cycle. It begins with conversations, attitudes, and the language we choose every day.
Why we say “cycle”, not “bike”
You might notice something different about how we talk. We don’t usually say bike. We say cycle, and here’s why:
“Bike” usually means two wheels. When most people hear bike, they picture a traditional two-wheeled bicycle. But not everyone rides on two wheels, and not everyone wants to or can.
We work with people who ride:
- Trikes (three wheels)
- Handcycles
- Recumbents
- Tandems and side-by-sides
- Cycles with footplates, straps, backrests and custom seating
So when we say cycle, we’re using a word that includes all of those.
Disability Is Not a Bad Word
One common misconception is that the word “disabled” should be avoided.
In reality, many disabled people actively choose to describe themselves as disabled.
The social model of disability suggests that people are disabled by barriers in society, not simply by their condition or impairment.
For example:
A person using an adult tricycle bike is not necessarily limited by their impairment.
They may be limited by:
- Lack of accessible cycling infrastructure
- Limited availability of adapted bikes
- Cost barriers
- Negative attitudes
- Inaccessible services
Removing those barriers creates opportunities.
It’s about more than wheels.
Accessibility is about more than ramps and doors (though we care about those, too).
It’s about:
- How we speak to people
- What assumptions we make
- Who we represent in our images and events
- And yes, even what we call the things we ride
We believe in cycling for everybody.
So whether you ride two wheels, three wheels, four, or something else entirely, you’re a cyclist. And you’re welcome here.