A little bit ago I read this article on this very topic. http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-06-...economy-stupid

Societal and cultural expectations play a significant role for women that is not fully applied to the men's side - and I believe this is true beyond bike commuting.

An area's bicycling infrastructure plays a role as well as geography. I have talked with a few new or interested commuters and Portland has a few obstacles - getting across the Willamette River (and not being overrun by the bike commuters who tend toward the inconsiderate side), the hills, some of the confusing road ways and required connections to get around the freeway interchanges, 2-way to 1-way convergences. I am approached on those issues by more women than men.

My work place has a casual dress code, but I see women more likely to be dressed above the "code" than men. So I do think that plays into the expectations and what it takes to successfully bike commute on a regular basis.

We do have lockers and showers, which is a big help and we have indoor, secure parking. Of that, however, the rack system requires lifting the bike. This is a challenge for some due the the height of the racks, weight of the bike (we have 2 commuters with electric assist bikes). We also have an overflow area located on the 3rd floor (2nd of 2 floors of parking). This entails taking your bike to the freight elevator (not far from the indoor bike room) or riding up the 2 ramps.

The cool thing now is one of our VPs has started some bike commuting and has offered to be an advocate for improvements. So, I am meeting with some local, successful program managers on how they have managed facilities. I think if we work to have thoughtful solutions we can address areas that for men have been no big deal.

Since our company's move to downtown Portland and because I am so excited that I have the opportunity to bike commute every day I seem to have also become our bike advocate so I am hoping to make changes and improvements that address some of the barriers.