Hard Knox Bikes – FAQ

Hard Knox Bikes was created specifically to hold a safe space for women, people of color, queer, transgender and gender variant persons to seek bicycle services and resources.

Women, people of color, queer, trans and gender variant individuals are not safe in public areas.  For many marginalized communities the presence of a group of men and/or whites in an area can feel unsafe and make someone not seek the services and resources they need for fear of harassment and discrimination. These fears are based on real experiences.  We hope our ally supports understand this.
To allow these communities to seek bicycle services and resources safely and comfortably we strive for an environment of diversity – not homogeny.  All supportive and respectful individuals and allies are welcome.  We ask those from the more privileged communities to be aware of how much space they are taking up and not intentionally or unintentionally make an unsafe environment for our women, people of color, queer, transgender and gender variant community members.

 

 

 

What is a safe space?

A Safe Space is a place where anyone can relax and be able to fully express, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, or physical or mental ability.  A place where the rules guard each person’s self-respect and dignity and strongly encourage everyone to respect others.

 

Via – What is a Safe Space? | The Safe Space Network

safespacenetwork.tumblr.com/Safespace

 

Who is Hard Knox Bikes for?

Our services are for women, femmes, people of color, queer, transgender, gender variant communities and allies.

 

Is Hard Knox Bikes only for women?

No.  All genders welcome.

 

I am a white cis woman, can I use HXB services?

Yes.

 

What does CIS mean?

CIS or cis is short for cisgender.  Cisgender is denoting or relating to a person whose self-identity conforms with the gender that corresponds to their biological sex; not transgender.

 

I’m a white appearing person of color, will I be welcome?

Yes. We do not question anyone entering the shop and welcome all respectful customers and attendees.

 

I’m a white, male appearing transgender/gender variant person, will I be welcome?

Yes. We do not question anyone entering the shop and welcome all respectful customers and attendees.

 

Hard Knox Bikes was totally created for me, Can I bring my white and/or male friend with me?

Yes. We do not question anyone entering the shop and welcome all respectful customers and attendees.

 

Why would someone be asked to leave the space?

By walking into the shop you are agreeing to our Safe Space Policy, Spokeland has their own space space policy which can be READ HERE.     If an individual or group violates one of these safe space agreements they may be warned or asked to leave.  We understand that sometimes transgressions are unintentional and we assume the best of our customers and participants.  However, creating an unsafe environment is not allowed.

 

Who is this space not for?

We strive to offer diversity and not emulate most bike shops whose staff and clientele are primarily white, male and upper class.  Although we offer services for all individuals, we ask that groups of white males use Spokeland’s normal Public Shop hours: HERE.