Widespread verify-along with Huge Bicycle's JT Thompson: Biking may well be more respected

Why Cycling Deserves More Respect in High School Sport

Cycling rarely gets the spotlight that football, basketball or track enjoy at the high school level, yet it builds many of the same qualities coaches look for in any athlete: aerobic endurance, leg strength, pacing discipline and the mental toughness to keep pushing on a long climb. In a city like Portland, where bike commuting is part of everyday life and riders head out to trails and rural roads on weekends, the sport is already woven into the community. Giving it more respect simply means recognising what many students are already doing.

A natural fit for cross-training

Many endurance coaches use the bike as a low-impact way to build fitness. Runners recovering from shin or knee niggles can often keep their aerobic base on a bike while reducing pounding on the joints. Soccer and lacrosse players benefit from the leg power and repeated efforts that hill intervals develop. Because cycling places less stress on bones and tendons than running, it can be a useful addition to off-season training, though any athlete returning from injury should follow the advice of a doctor or physiotherapist.

Clubs, leagues and community

Across the United States, interscholastic mountain biking leagues have grown steadily, offering team-based racing for middle and high school riders. These programmes typically emphasise inclusion, with categories for beginners alongside experienced racers, and they rely heavily on parent volunteers and coaches who complete safety training. Students interested in competing should check whether a local team exists or ask about starting a club with a faculty sponsor.

Safety comes first

Respecting the sport also means respecting its risks. Every rider should wear a properly fitted helmet, use lights in Portland's long, grey winter afternoons, and learn basic bike maintenance such as checking tyre pressure and brakes before each ride. Riding in groups, sticking to planned routes and letting someone know where you are going are simple habits that make a big difference.

If you want to see how cycling's values line up with our wider approach to sportsmanship and effort, take a look at our Manifesto, and explore the Teams page to see how athletes across every sport train and compete together.