Why do I see fewer women cycling than men?

[shootingstar]

Also, the bikes are heavier and larger in proportion to body weight of a woman (I am 5ft 1in and 115pounds) vs. a man (husband is 5ft 7in and 145pounds). So, for a novice woman to have a heavier, larger bike in proportion to her body, it is less fun for her than a man. Quality bikes are expensive.

I've never thought at all about my weight /small size as a deterrent from enjoying cycling. I don't have a $3,000-$5,000 carbon bike. Most of my bikes are under $1,000 (still cheaper than a car to have and ride several bikes!!) I am 5' 1" @100 lbs. And yes, he is taller @5' 10" and can go farther, but it's just not useful for me to compare my enjoyment against his.

Just because he's bigger does not mean he has it easier: often he carries far heavier weight on his bike compared to mine. Even when my bike has fully loaded bike panniers. HIs clothing in his panniers just takes up more space, more bulk and more weight, because he's just bigger!

It's like comparing apples and oranges. We're both cyclists but @different ages/stages in life. Besides, a fit female cyclist could out cycle some men. And some TE women can.

I just cycle for the sake of enjoying for myself. Otherwise I wouldn't be cycling!!

2 main things that did inhibit me from buying a proper bike and returning to cycling sooner were:
*learning to cycle with multiple gears
*knowing some great, decent bike routes that were safer for me. I had no clue about bike paths at that time and didn't want to explore ravine parks on my own without knowing where to go to get out of potential trouble.

Fortunately I met my partner 5 months after my interest was stoked. But I had no clue he was a cyclist until several months into our relationship.

Safety: I feel much SAFER cycling compared to walking on the street.