How to Start a Cycling Industry Revolution in 140 Characters
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@KathrynBertine
If the last few years are any indication, the lack of equity between men's and women's professional cycling finally may have met its match in Kathryn Bertine. This 40-year-old, Tucson-based pro cyclist (currently with BMW p/b Happy Tooth) is also a writer, filmmaker (her documentary Half the Road explores the inequalities faced by professional female racers), and an advocate who is a driving force behind Le Tour Entier, the organization that last year helped create the La Course by Le Tour de France, a women's circuit race held in Paris on the Tour's final day. And she's an expert at harnessing social media to drive change.
Here, Bertine explains the necessity, beauty, and difficulty of incorporating social media into her cycling life.
"Without Twitter, neither Half the Road nor La Course would exist. We crowdsourced the film budget through Indiegogo, and spread the word via Twitter and Facebook. We were funded by more than 16 different countries and nearly 700 donations. It wouldn't have happened without sharing, liking, and however else the Internet elves communicate. Same with La Course. It was Change.org and Twitter that got the world to sign nearly 100,000 names."
RELATED: Talking Bike Life with Kathryn Bertine
"I'm on social media every day to see what's happening not just in women's cycling, but in women's issues across the globe. It's important to make sure people understand that equality in sport isn't just about sports, but the larger picture of what we need to do to move our world forward."
"Training is the easy part. I get out early and get that job done first. Then I'm on the computer looking for ways to support myself so I can keep the advocacy going."
"I keep a list of 'Names I've Been Called on Social Media.' Some of it is nice. Some of it is not publishable. Sometimes I question why I do this, but when someone says I've helped in some way, that keeps me going."
RELATED: Women's Cycling: Too Boring to Watch?
"Ultimately, social media is a metaphor for life—it's what we make of it. Personally, I'd like to keep using social media for good. If the price of progress comes interspersed with cat videos, so be it. Stepping back and getting in touch with the big picture is important before tackling another huge endeavor. No one wants a crazy person at the helm of advocacy."
KATHRYN RECOMMENDS
"I like anyone who speaks their mind respectfully. And if you can make me laugh, I'm a follower for life. Voxwomen is a news feed that shows broadcasts of women's racing. @jasongay of the The Wall Street Journal and @JulietMacur of The New York Times are great, too."
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