Our mission is simple: Eliminating stigma through our positive public example.
Our Aims
Expand awareness and recognition of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Encourage active participation of members and supporters in the work of the group.
Actively participate in HIV/AIDS cycling related events.
Advocate awareness and empowerment of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Maintain outreach to members, supporters and the HIV/AIDS community.
Living with HIV/AIDS is complicated
The impact of becoming HIV-positive is overwhelming and invades every aspect of an individual’s life. Though many of us living with HIV and AIDS have returned to the ranks of public normalcy –a point to be celebrated– we must also scrutinize it. In the early days of HIV prevention it was understood that isolated individuals with little support were far more at risk for contracting or spreading HIV. In response, organizations such as the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation began to deliver all kinds of services to individuals at risk. As a result, things improved.
In the past few years, HIV rates are increasing across the board. Of particular concern is among newly diagnosed individuals who may find themselves stigmatized by those who think that in an era of high AIDS awareness becoming infected with HIV is indefensible. As in the early days of the pandemic, fear of being stigmatized deters people from getting tested, prevents those infected from getting the services and treatment they need, and can create a silence within communities. A silence at a time when what is needed most is communication and understanding.
Twenty years ago the nation was alerted to the simple slogan “Silence = Death.” Today this continues to ring true. Positive Pedalers plainly know that there is power in riding together with other HIV positive cyclists and being free to proclaim it publicly; that an orange Positive Pedaler flag placed on your bike is a beacon, to others and to yourself; that HIV cannot and will not define who we are.
We are the POSITIVE PEDALERS and we are the positive face of HIV.
We are a group of people, living with HIV/AIDS, committed to building a supportive and inclusive community for others and ourselves through participation in bicycle-related activities.
We are dedicated to expanding and enhancing public awareness of HIV and AIDS and empowering HIV-positive people to live more meaningful and dignified lives.
