Our reaction to British Cycling’s decision to revoke adult industry cycle club membership

Charity cycling club Porn Pedallers lost their British Cycling affiliation last week after the world governing body, UCI, said the name of the group was potentially damaging to the sport’s image.

The Porn Pedallers Cycling Club (PPCC) has over 100 members, all of whom work in or around the UK adult industry. While fun, community and fitness are all part of the club’s ethos, the main motivation is raising funds for sexual health charities.

In 2018, PPCC raised around £10,000 for the Terrence Higgins Trust. This year’s target is £20,000. But despite their great work, PPCC broke the news on Twitter that their British Cycling affiliation had been revoked.

BREAKING NEWS: Cycling is for everyone. Except people like us @pornpedallers. Today @BritishCycling revoked our club affiliation because PPCC breaches @UCI_cycling regulation 1.1.089. We’re just a cycling club, riding for fun & raising money for @THTorguk. Is this justified?👍👎 pic.twitter.com/dBAqWpOFFx

— Porn Pedallers (@pornpedallers) 5 March 2019

Being affiliated with British Cycling gives groups like PPCC the opportunity to ride with confidence as, according to the site, membership offers liability insurance and legal support, along with discounts. Privileges the group no longer have access to.

Feelings of anger and discrimination

Supporters of the club — fellow cycle enthusiasts and adult industry colleagues — quickly took to social media, voicing their anger at British Cycling and the UCI.

I’d never heard of @pornpedallers and the work they do for charity…In fact….I’ve never even watched porn (wink). But thanks to British Cycling booting them out….I now follow them and can’t wait for them to release their kit so I can support them!

— David Macdonald (@Neidr67) 10 March 2019

Not ok at ALL, @BritishCycling – Why are you demonizing a great group of people who come together to cycle, get healthy, and raise money for charity, simply because of what they do for a living? Not cool at all. Incredibly shortsighted. Let them back in immediately! https://t.co/W1HZ2N5GRy

— Peter Shankman (@petershankman) 8 March 2019

A number of PPCC members are also registered with AdultWork.com. Asking for their reaction, it’s clear there are still feelings of disbelief, disappointment and that this is just another case of discrimination.

PPCC rider and AdultWork member, Rebecca More said the decision is, “Another example of censorship stupidity. Can’t say I was surprised when I heard. Disappointed yes, but not surprised.

“It astounds me that when a credible group of adult entertainers decide to do something worthwhile, using their massive following on social media to raise money and awareness, it gets shut down because of its association with the adult industry. 

“I am so proud of my membership to the Porn Pedallers and to lay a wreath at Flanders remains a highlight, not only of my time with PPCC but of my entire life. The PPCC is a remarkable group of individuals who offer their time and effort to help others. We’re a cycling club, riding for fun and raising money for the Terrence Higgins Trust. What’s not to like?”

Miss Louise Kay — also a PPCC and AdultWork.com member — echoed similar feelings regarding the good work the charity cycle club has achieved and what it means it to all of those involved. She explained, “I’m a proud member of the Porn Pedallers and have been for over a year. It’s an amazing club that has brought together members of the adult industry, helping each other stay fit and active whilst raising money for the Terrence Higgins Trust. 

“I am absolutely disgusted that we cannot be a part of British Cycling. It’s 2019 and people are still offended by the adult industry. It’s time to look at the bigger picture and see what a great asset PPCC is to the cycling community.”

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding sex workers is nothing new and this decision — coming ironically close to International Women’s Day with their #BalanceForBetter theme — only serves to reinforce the passion in our members who strive for equality for all. Especially those connected to the Adult Industry.

Too little, too late?

The story continues to develop. British Cycling have said they hope to work with PPCC regarding the club name, so they can comply with UCI rules.

A spokesperson for British Cycling said on Cyclingweekly.com: “We are talking with the club and offering constructive advice on what it will take for them to meet with regulations.” They go on to acknowledge that PPCC “does excellent work in raising money for charity, and has a loyal and active membership.”

However, the request according to PPCC club founder Chris Ratcliff, is to change the club name and remove the sponsors which, as Ratcliff explained to The Standard, is “unachievable.” And we agree that removing the identity of the club only perpetuates unnecessary censorship and stigma towards our industry.

Support the Porn Pedallers Cycling Club

While discussions continue with British Cycling and the UCI to reinstate the group, it doesn’t mean the club has jammed on the brakes. We can still support them.

Get behind the club by donating through their fund-raising page and help them reach their £20,000 target.

And finally, AdultWork.com have always championed members who are trying to make the industry a safer place and provide sex workers with a fairer standing in society. In light of this and the excellent achievements of PPCC, we’re honoured to be headline sponsor of PPCC this year. Replica team jerseys – complete with AdultWork.com logo –  were available to buy online. PPCC donated £10 from every purchase to the Terrence Higgins Trust.

To find out more about the Porn Pedallers Cycling Club and their upcoming rides, follow them on Twitter.