Why do I see fewer women cycling than men?

[kelleil]

There have been some polling & statistics (check out takingthelane.com) that say much about women being risk adverse, money, children etc. There is another problem: bike lanes tend not to go where women need to go: grocery stores, banks, schools, etc.

[Bethany1]

I see several factors:

1. Intimidation by attitudes. Most people see the aggressive racer persona and don't want to look pathetic and out of shape on a bike. You walk in to a shop that has guys all walking around in perfect condition w/jerseys and ignoring everyone else and it's depressing. I equate cycling with aggressive young guys racing as that's what you see in magazines and posters in the store.

I've since learned it's really more a "zone" thing when on a bike. You don't mean to look aggressive/angry but you are just concentrating really hard to avoid stuff.

I try and wave to people, smile when I'm on the road and make cycling more friendly when talking with people.

2. Time/Money. As was mentioned, if you have a family, mom does the care. Bikes are expensive. Gear is expensive. Add in stuff to bring the kids along and it's just easier to find something else family friendly.

3. Fashion. Hate to bring it up but most of us don't have the body to fit into spandex. I quit caring as I realized the benefit of cycling clothes but it took some time. Jeans are uncomfortable and restrictive. A dress would get caught into the chain and skirts would show everything. Cycling friendly clothing for the working woman and for just going around town is hard to find.

I now just put my chamois shorts under my regular clothing and ride off for short rides.

4. Fear/Safety does play into it. It depends on your area and what is available. I really hate riding by myself but I don't have a choice. The trail I ride is always empty in the afternoons since people work. I ride the highways and now the gravel roads much better now with more confidence but it still gets iffy at times.


5. Design/style/choice still is an issue. Most companies still use a cookie cutter frame over and over. Every year just add a better component, slap a new paint color on and keep the frame the same.

Specialized does this big time. Same bike, add different components and the price goes up. You end up with 5 versions of the same bike.

I had a hard time finding bikes that stood out from the crowd. Smaller companies have come up with custom style frames but unless you know about them, you are using the big box companies.

For example, I would love a Pashley bike. Very dainty and feminine. I just wish I could actually look at one.

[lph]

What they all said.

I also think that bike=machine=technical=male thing plays a role. So are cars, and women do drive, but cars are larger, messier and more expensive to repair, so not that many men spend time wrenching their own cars. But walk into a bike store and you'll find men happily discussing the minutiae of bike parts and how to wrench this or that. I guess women may feel that if they're not mechanically inclined, this isn't the sport for them. Skis are pretty straight forward, by comparison.