I don't think the point of peer/cultural factors is being brought up as a way to dismiss or minimize the other barriers that exist, but simply as a careful consideration as to how much weight to give to the idea that mtb'ing is exclusive and primarily for white males. I'm also not sure about your point of mtb'ng itself being a symptom of systemic problems, but would agree that some of the barriers that exist within mtb'ing are. As pointed out by a few people, financial considerations are probably one of the biggest factors when it comes to participation in mtb'ing, but I wouldn't rank it at the top. I would be inclined to put awareness of the sport first, and then within the subgroup of those who are aware you could put cost as a leading factor. Figuring out how much all the different factors affect participation would probably be an interesting bit of research to conduct. I definitely agree that a life focus should be on how we can help lift people up, whatever the context may be.
ps - TBH I'm not sue how I feel about the idea of the sport continuing to grow. That may sound selfish, but I feel that until there is a better handle on the management of trail access, development and maintenance that we may be at or close to the saturation point with the way things currently are. This is simply my personal observation from when I'm out on the trails, other people may see things differently.
Feb. 23, 2021, 5:57 p.m. - Mark
I don't think the point of peer/cultural factors is being brought up as a way to dismiss or minimize the other barriers that exist, but simply as a careful consideration as to how much weight to give to the idea that mtb'ing is exclusive and primarily for white males. I'm also not sure about your point of mtb'ng itself being a symptom of systemic problems, but would agree that some of the barriers that exist within mtb'ing are. As pointed out by a few people, financial considerations are probably one of the biggest factors when it comes to participation in mtb'ing, but I wouldn't rank it at the top. I would be inclined to put awareness of the sport first, and then within the subgroup of those who are aware you could put cost as a leading factor. Figuring out how much all the different factors affect participation would probably be an interesting bit of research to conduct. I definitely agree that a life focus should be on how we can help lift people up, whatever the context may be. ps - TBH I'm not sue how I feel about the idea of the sport continuing to grow. That may sound selfish, but I feel that until there is a better handle on the management of trail access, development and maintenance that we may be at or close to the saturation point with the way things currently are. This is simply my personal observation from when I'm out on the trails, other people may see things differently.