Spotlight on volunteer event coordinator for Black Girls Do Bike: Richmond

Tamara Broadnax has spent much of her life opening doors to women in male-dominated areas.

After graduating from West Point in 1989 and serving as a military supply officer in Desert Storm, she did tours of duty in Germany, Colorado, New York and Alabama. As part of her last assignment before leaving the Army, she helped integrate women into the formerly all-male Virginia Military Institute in Lexington.

Today, along with a nursing career that started in 2004, she seeks to inspire women through her love of a male-dominated sport — cycling. It’s a way she maintains her health while enjoying a sport.

Mrs. Broadnax is the volunteer event coordinator for Black Girls Do Bike: Richmond, the local branch of a national organization that is focused on growing and supporting a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. “We are establishing a comfortable place where female cyclists can support, advise, organize meet-ups/rides and promote skill-sharing,” she says. “We rejoice when women choose cycling as a tool for alternative transportation, self-care and, ultimately, empowerment.”

Today, more African-Americans than ever are using bikes both for sport and as a preferred mode of transportation. According to bikeleague.org, bike use by African-Americans doubled between 2001 and 2009, growing five times faster than cycling among white Americans.

In the four years since its start in 2013, Black Girls Do Bike has grown to 65 chapters and 14,000 members across the nation. The Richmond chapter started last year, in the spring of 2016, and now has more than 130 members. Membership is free, Ms. Broadnax says. Interested women should ask to join the Black Girls Do Bike: Richmond Facebook group, where it organizes and announces its rides.

“We look to share positive images of ladies and their bikes to affirm the truth that black girls do indeed bike,” Ms. Broadnax says. “We encourage bike advocacy, education, volunteerism and safety in all communities and corners of the world.”

She says Richmond is becoming more bike friendly, and the Virginia Capital Trail, which runs from Richmond to Williamsburg, is a great trail to ride because cyclists don’t have to worry about or deal with vehicular traffic.  “There are some cycling rules, (such as) staying to the right and passing on your left, things like that,” she says. “BGDB is a way to start so that you can partner with someone with experience. We don’t want anyone to ride alone.” As with any other sport, keeping cyclists safe is a priority for BGDB as well, but there is safety in numbers.

“I would not recommend riding the streets at night, as it is risky with distracted drivers,” she says. “But the Anthem Moonlight Ride is a great ride if you want to ride at night. The event blocks the traffic so you don’t have to worry about cars.”

Meet this week’s Free Press Personality and cycling enthusiast, Tamara Broadnax: Occupation: Telemedicine nursing director, VCU Medical Center.

Top volunteer position: Black Girls Do Bike: Richmond chapter event coordinator.

Date and place of birth: July 1967 in Monterey, Calif. I’m an “Army brat.”

Current residence: Chester.

Education: Master’s in nursing; working on doctorate at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing.

Family: Husband, Tony, and two children, Tony Jr. and Tori.

When Black Girls Do Bike was founded: National chapter, spring 2013; Richmond chapter, spring 2016.

Founder of the National chapter BGDB: Monica Garrison.

Mission of BGDB: We champion efforts to introduce the joy of cycling to all women, but especially black women and girls.

Why I am excited about BGDB:Richmond: Our local membership has grown to more than 130 members and it is a great way to introduce cycling to our communities.

Next group cycling activity: It varies. Members post rides throughout the week.

Top goal: To introduce more women to cycling and to have fun.

My first bike riding lessons: Were a long time ago. My first bike was named “Spirit of ’76.”

Who taught me to ride: I learned with my friends.

When I ride: Every weekend.

Longest cycling excursion I have completed: From Richmond to Williamsburg and back in the “Bike MS: Colonial Crossroads 2017.”

How you should dress for cycling: Don’t overdress. Wear comfortable clothing that allows sweat to evaporate, along with cycling shorts, helmet and gloves.

What gear is needed for cycling at night: Same gear as during the day, but you need extra lights and reflectors for your bike, and to wear additional reflective material to boost your visibility.

Benefits of cycling: Great health and psychological benefits — cardiovascular and muscle conditioning and stress relief/endorphins.

Why I enjoy cycling: I enjoy the health benefits and spending quality time with my family and friends while I am cycling.

What bikes are recommended for novice cyclists: Anything with two wheels. You should start with something that you are comfortable with.

Where is a good place to ride when you are starting out: If you have a quiet neighborhood or park, start there with getting adjusted to your gears and brakes. 

Your view of Richmond as a bike-friendly city: Richmond is a wonderful cycling city.  I’ve lived here for 18 years and more bike-friendly events are added every year.

How I start the day: Thinking about what I need to accomplish that day. I’m also open to trying to discover something new each day.

Three words that best describe me: Kind, loyal and friendly.

Kindergarten taught me: To like and get along with everybody.

Book that influenced me the most: “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson.

What I’m reading now: “Patients Come Second: Leading Change by Changing the Way You Lead” by Paul Spiegelman and Britt Berrett.

My next goal: To earn my doctorate and bike as much as possible.