Protests Against Trans Athletes Are Anticipated at U.S. Road Nationals in Knoxville
The 2023 USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships take place in Knoxville, Tennessee June 22-25. And with a growing threat of protestors damaging the event, we wanted to look at what’s in place to keep athletes and fans safe.
With a frequent anthem from hate groups about “saving women’s sports,” it seems timely to revisit USA Cycling’s Official Fan Code of Conduct, updated last year. The code states that behavior deemed unruly, disruptive, threatening or violent in nature, including verbal or physical harassment of officials, athletes, staff, volunteers, or fans, is strictly prohibited.
The code also states, “Displaying signs, symbols, images, using language, or making gestures that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, or sexual orientation” is prohibited.
What is USA Cycling doing to enforce the Code of Conduct?
USA Cycling told Bicycling in an email,“[We] will continue to enforce the Fan Code of Conduct during the 2023 Professional Road National Championships. USA Cycling, Visit Knoxville, and local law enforcement will work together to ensure any violation to the Fan Code of Conduct within course boundaries and permitted locations are dealt with appropriately."
They went on to say that additional safety measures and communication protocols will be in place throughout the duration of the event to ensure the safety of the athletes and the proper execution of National Championship events.
How to report hate group activity
USA Cycling encourages attendees to report inappropriate behavior on-site to a USA Cycling Official or the USA Cycling Event Staff. If you cannot find a USA Cycling Official or Event Staff member, you can text your report to 833-299-1856, where it will be routed to the appropriate person.
Dahron Johnson, Co-Chair for the Tennessee Equality Project, told Bicycling that according to Compass Knox, a series of anti-trans events and protests are scheduled for this entire week, culminating with the main event on Sunday.
Johnson said that it’s possible that Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will be one of the speakers on Sunday. “That the host city's Mayor is willing to speak out against some of the potential participants of the very event they're hosting? That’s bad.”
According to Johnson, the sport of cycling is about challenge, community, and the opportunities for growth. “I’ve done a lot to encourage that over the years,” she said. “And it’s disheartening that many can’t see the potential power of working more collaborativel—rather than combatively—towards such goals.
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