What would you like to know?

[sundial]

I'd like to hear from the women who don't have a women's program available. What would you like to know about developing a woman's program?

OK, there just aren't many women in my area who are interested in cycling--particularly if they live in the small rural towns. Our state doesn't offer much for cyclists either because of lack of cyclist friendly parks or decent shoulders on the roads. We do have some clubs, but the majority of these members are competitive men. I would like to have an experienced gal to ride with, but they are few and far between and I end up in a testosterone pack.

I think before we can have a club in my area, we need a decent place to ride. I guess I don't really have any questions for you, just a vent.

[velogirl]

Sundial, vents are fine.

Do you think the safety issue/lack of good places to ride is more of an issue for the women than the men?

[sundial]

Sundial, vents are fine.

Do you think the safety issue/lack of good places to ride is more of an issue for the women than the men?

Yes. The shoulders that I have ridden on are sometimes a foot or less. I have to ride during low traffic periods and I ride defensively as well.

We have a great state park, Old Davidsonville, that won state park of the year. There is not one mtb trail in the whole park. I use the hiking trails to ride on.

Also, there are those idiots that might take advantage of grabbing a female cyclist and heading for the hills to do who knows what. It almost happened to a cyclist friend of mine--in front of her male cyclists.

[sundial]

You know what? I'd like to attend a girls only workshop offered by a women's cyclist program. Maybe something that could tour the rural towns of Arkansas.

Little Rock is the hub of activity but is 2 1/2 hrs away. I've been in all but one bike shop and it essentially caters to men in terms of garments, gadgets, and bikes. I have heard fewer women shop the stores compared to men. If these bike shops hosted a girls only clinic, I wonder if that would help ladies feel empowered and ride more.

[velogirl]

Absolutely! Women don't like bike shops (sweeping generalization). I've found that if I can bring a group of women into a shop for an hour or two (clinic, shopping party, etc), they become familiar with the shop and will feel more comfortable coming back. If all bike shops did something like that, they'd likely see an increase in their female customer base.

It's too bad Little Rock is so far away. Are there any shops a bit closer to you?

[Geonz]

My favorite bike shop has had several women's nights but it's hard to get the word out.

What age group is being targeted?

I *do* think that there's a HUGE audience of beginners who want fitness, love endorphins but aren't into the guy racing culture and maybe not racing at all.

THen there are those of us doing the whole 'bicycling lifestyle' thing...

[vmax]

One more thought on this subject and I'll try to be brief, promise

I've gone to bike clinics on my own, single, no boyfriend or anyone else that could come along. While the classes were helpful there is one missing piece, esp for women . . . the social aspect. Why not have beverages, snacks, a way to learn and socialize at the same time. Being that I am single, going to a class is a good way to meet other women who bike. However, many people head straight for the exit as soon as the class ends . . thus eliminating a way to meet other people. I'm not suggesting that it become a "happy hour" yet there has to be a better format for this idea. How about a bike mentor group? Food for thought . . .

Perhaps a follow-up class with the same group or a series of classes for whatever the topic: bike maintenance, motivation, a non-threatening way to work on your own bike as a learning process. I'm stumbling around here for ideas but I do believe that, in order to get more women (of all ages) interested in biking one needs to include the social piece as well.

Again,

- Vivian, MN