Female Equality in Cycling

[hikebikerun]

I'd hoping to hear everyone's opinion regarding female leaders and representation in the cycling world. Like all of you, I'm a strong believer in and advocate for getting more women on bikes. I believe that, in part, we need to focus on educating women in the field of cycling to empower and grow confidence, not so we may go off on our own and create a separate everything in the cycling world, but so that women are more knowledgeable and confident to become an equal part and have equal representation in this industry. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on why you think we need women-specific, women-only rides, bike demos, and events? Or do you think everything should be co-ed? What's the best way to grow the number of female cyclists, not only in numbers but also in equality?

Thanks!

[jtupthetree]

Shame this hasn't had replies, it's something I feel very passionate about but I am unsure as the best way to go about it. I'm not sure what the situation is like in the US, but here in the UK I have definitely noticed more women riders. Not nearly enough though!

[Aromig]

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on why you think we need women-specific, women-only rides, bike demos, and events? Or do you think everything should be co-ed? What's the best way to grow the number of female cyclists, not only in numbers but also in equality?

Thanks!

I have found that I have the best opportunity to get better by going on the "group rides" which are primarily male just simply because there are more rides available. I've been on one female-focused ride and it was more of a recreational ride (very short, easy ride) filled with trail-type bikes. I'm not sure why. I invite women I know who want to ride on the group rides, letting them know that they won't be the only women there and I think that helps.

[ny biker]

I didn't respond because I don't think there is one answer. Some women prefer women-only things, others prefer co-ed, others don't care one way or the other.

I think many women don't have time or energy for any exercise or any form of transportation that takes longer than necessary, because they have too many family and work obligations. Or the places they need to go can't be reached safely and within a reasonable amount of time by bike or they just have too many kids they need to transport to various places. Or going by bike is not practical for other reasons. Or there are reasonably safe routes but they don't perceive them as safe.

[rebeccaC]

Shame this hasn't had replies, it's something I feel very passionate about but I am unsure as the best way to go about it. I'm not sure what the situation is like in the US, but here in the UK I have definitely noticed more women riders. Not nearly enough though!

this community has a wealth of info with its members and especially in searches.....perhaps you could have been a part of that by adding to this thread how you feel about women only rides, equality etc....just saying

[OakLeaf]

Seemed like this goes with this thread. Cool group, regardless. http://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/this-allwomen-bike-crew-is-running-gentrifiers-out-of-town/