Why do I see fewer women cycling than men?

[Maye]

Like goldfinch said: Safety. It's a major concern. Where I live there's a road that has very good bike lanes, not too much traffic, but the area is kind of industrial and close to a big trash dump. Nothing around it. I was told by several cyclists (and non cyclists) to not ride that road alone since is dangerous. But you can see men using it all the time, alone or in group. I use bike paths more than roads because I feel safer there with other women riding there as well.

My husband is always very concerned about what can happen to me while I ride, like accidents or other things. To give him peace of mind I always tell him exactly where I'm going (maps included), to remember what I'm wearing and that he can use the GPS (Find MyFriends app) to locate me anywhere. I also text him every time that I finish a ride.

Also, I think road bikes and the sport by itself is intimidating. I showed my bike to my cousin a while ago and she asked me: "How can you ride that thing with such skinny tires? I would never be able to ride something like that". I told her: yes you can, its easier than what it looks and also you can use a different style of bike and we can ride together.