Shimano’s “We Are Cyclists” Expands the All Bodies on Bikes Movement
Five years after the release of Shimano’s acclaimed documentary, All Bodies on Bikes, a new film, We Are Cyclists, is charting the growth of a movement dedicated to size inclusion in cycling. The new documentary expands on the original story, showcasing the expanding community and challenging traditional definitions of who gets to participate in the sport.
The Evolution of a Movement
We Are Cyclists reunites audiences with Marley Blonsky and Kailey Kornhauser, the co-founders of All Bodies on Bikes, a non-profit organization. The film premiered in Portland, Oregon, and captures rides and gatherings across the United States, including a bike camping trip in Northwest Arkansas and the Five Boro Tour in New York City. Watch the trailer here.
From Bikepacking Trip to Nationwide Network
The original All Bodies on Bikes documentary followed Blonsky and Kornhauser on a 60-mile bikepacking trip through Oregon, addressing the challenges faced by larger-bodied athletes in a sport often characterized by exclusivity. The film garnered significant attention, earning accolades at film festivals and accumulating over 277,000 views on YouTube.
According to Blonsky, the release of the first film was transformative. “After this film was released, my life changed in multiple ways. I had gained the ear of the bike industry and found myself in conversations with global brands, discussing the importance of size inclusion.”
These conversations led to the founding of All Bodies on Bikes as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a network of 14 chapters across the United States, alongside a rapidly expanding global community.
Redefining Cycling and Belonging
We Are Cyclists, though only 10 minutes in length, was filmed over three sessions across the country, capturing both planned events and spontaneous moments. The film serves as a reminder that cycling can seize many forms and that bicycling should be accessible to everyone, regardless of body size or athletic ability.
Shimano emphasizes that the film “redefines what it means to belong on a bike,” challenging performance-driven definitions of cycling and expanding the definition of who can identify as a cyclist. The brand’s support for All Bodies on Bikes aligns with its commitment to supporting diverse riders and communities.
“No matter the distance or your speed, we’re here to celebrate all riders, all bikes, and all rides,” Blonsky added.
Looking Ahead
We Are Cyclists is not simply a continuation of the original story; it’s a celebration of the movement that has been built since. It represents a shift from a story about two riders seeking their place in cycling to a broader movement that continues to redefine what a cyclist “should” look like.