Mary Lytle, cofounder of Radical Adventure Riders, on challenging the gender binary

March 15, 2021

Mary Lytle (she/they) is the co-founder of Radical Adventure Riders (RAR), a queer cat mom, visual artist, organizer, and adventure cyclist based in Portland, OR. She is passionate about using her skills as an illustrator to represent and connect cycling communities. Mary’s desire to connect the community around bicycles stems from their days of running a small hot dog stand on the Little Miami Bike Trail in Loveland, Ohio and feeding the cyclocross community at regional events. While design is Mary’s main gig, she enjoys working part-time for small independent brands that focus on creative design in the cycling industry. She currently works for SIM Works USA. On her days off, she loves to fuel herself with vegan snacks while meandering dirt roads in the PNW with friends.

Founded in 2017, Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) mission is moving towards enhancing gender inclusivity and racial equity in the bicycle and outdoor adventure scene. RAR does this by providing connection, education, resources, and support for the community and industry.

Discussed in this episode:

–Multnomah people, original inhabitants of Portland, Oregon

—Fakequity

–13:00: discrimination in the cycling industry

–17:21: the pros and cons of labels

–Renee hutchens on social sport podcast

–Annual Get Rad be Radical publication, edited by Molly Sugar

–History of WTFN-B illustrated poster

–RAR Gravel program

—Cycling Industry Pledge (CIP)

–Guiding Principles of Disability Justice on Sins Invalid Blog, created with consultation and guidance from Mary Ann Thomas and Izzy Sederbaum

–-SJ Brooks scholarship

–34:34: moving beyond gender binary in art

Quote:

“We’re ready to change with the (adventure sport) community. The community is always changing. We want to hear from them and grow with them, and we’re ready for feedback. We still have a lot of work to do to represent more gender identities and lift up more BIPOC voices. So we want to see what comes next, and what else is needed in the community, as we move forward.”