A Call to the UCI: Create Rules That Reflect Real Riders, Real Data, and Rider Safety
Ottawa, June 16th, 2025 MyVeloFit, powered by the largest collection of rider-submitted fit data in the world, is urging the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to reconsider recently announced rule changes regarding handlebar widths. The company has launched a public petition calling for a more thoughtful, data-driven approach that protects rider safety, biomechanics, and inclusivityespecially for women.
The new regulation sets a minimum outside-to-outside handlebar width of 40 cm, and more critically, a minimum inside width of 32 cm between brake levers. This seemingly small change has profound consequences for tens of thousands of riders.
"Based on our fit data from real-world cyclists, the average handlebar width for women should be closer to 38 cmnot 40 cm," said Jesse Jarjour, CEO at MyVeloFit. "This rule could sideline smaller riders, worsen ergonomics, and increase injury risk."
Key Concerns Raised by MyVeloFit
Disproportionate Impact on Women: The minimum width requirement does not reflect the anatomical needs of female cyclists and smaller riders, effectively excluding their optimal fit options.
Biomechanical Consequences: Proper fit often includes modest inward lever rotation to reduce wrist strain and prevent nerve impingement. The new rule may make this impossible for many riders.
Modern Equipment Compatibility: Lever designs like Shimano Di2 already push the limits of compliance even without internal rotation, exacerbating the risk of non-compliance.
Increased Injury Risk: A poor fit driven by regulationrather than performance or safetycan contribute to musculoskeletal injuries over time.
Misguided Intentions?: While the UCI has not clarified the goal, potential motives such as limiting aerodynamic positions or addressing overly narrow setups are one-sided. The rule fails to consider the equally harmful effect of handlebars being too wide for a rider's body.
"If a rule must exist, it should be based on real data. A 38 cm minimum would be far more inclusive and safe," added Jesse Jarjour.
A Data-Driven Solution
With the largest database of bike fit measurements globally, MyVeloFit advocates for regulations rooted in biomechanical evidencenot arbitrary numbers. If the UCI must have a regulation MyVeloFit proposes a minimum 28cm inside lever width as this more accurately aligns with real world rider proportions and avoids penalizing smaller riders and women.
Take Action
The petition, available here, invites riders, coaches, teams, and industry stakeholders to stand together and ask the UCI to reconsider this change in favor of data-backed, inclusive, and rider-first regulations.
About MyVeloFit
MyVeloFit is a leading provider of AI-driven bike fitting software and tools for cyclists of all levels. With the largest collection of cyclist fit data in the world, MyVeloFit is committed to advancing rider performance, comfort, and safety through personalized, accessible solutions.
