Women’s involvement in cycling through history

Women have set a remarkable new milestone in U.S. bicycling history: 60% of bicycle owners between the ages of 18-27 are women. This shift marks a significant change in how biking is perceived and embraced across genders.

The Gender Divide

For decades, the world of cycling has predominantly been viewed as a male domain. While it’s common to see young girls riding bikes in elementary schools, this enthusiasm often fades during adolescence. Historically, however, the late 1800s were a time when bicycles became symbols of liberation for women. As Susan B. Anthony noted in 1896, cycling "has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." Yet, by the end of the 20th century, the number of teenage girls cycling significantly declined. Research showed that boys cycled an average of 138 miles annually, whereas girls only managed 24 miles. Two main reasons—fashion trends and safety concerns—largely contributed to this decline.

Over the past few years, though, there has been a noticeable shift. According to data from major bike-share programs in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston, the gender gap seems to be narrowing. For every three men cycling, one woman is doing the same. Nationally, the latest statistics indicate that 24% of bike trips in 2009 were made by women. In contrast, countries like Germany report 49% female participation, while the Netherlands boasts an impressive 55%. Interestingly, younger women aged 18-24 actually ride more days per year than their male counterparts, but this trend diminishes sharply once they enter child-rearing years. Surprisingly, older female baby boomers (ages 45-64) and those over 65 remain highly active cyclists, suggesting that societal responsibilities play a critical role in limiting women’s cycling habits.

In the early 2000s, cycling began transitioning from a recreational activity to a form of transportation. By 2015, this trend reversed slightly, with bikes increasingly being seen as practical tools for daily commutes rather than mere leisure pursuits. Since 2006, the number of women who commute by bike has surged by 58.8%. Even more encouragingly, between 2011 and 2012, the rate of growth among female cyclists outpaced that of males—10.9% compared to 8.4%.

Brands operating in the U.S. market have responded positively to this demographic shift. Efforts to appeal to women have included designing clothing tailored to the female anatomy, introducing vibrant color schemes, and creating bikes specifically engineered for women. These initiatives appear to be paying off. Today, over 1.3 million women ride at least 110 days per year, representing an 8% increase since 2005. Meanwhile, male ridership has risen by 15% during the same period.

Female-Specific Bikes

One question frequently asked is whether women truly require bikes designed specifically for them. The answer depends largely on individual needs. Most major brands now produce frames with female-specific geometries, acknowledging physiological differences such as shorter torsos, narrower shoulders, and longer legs. Such designs typically feature shorter top tubes and reduced stem lengths, which can affect weight distribution negatively. Some manufacturers go so far as to engineer bikes for petite women using standard-sized wheels, leading to awkward proportions in models like extra-small road bikes with 700cc wheels or mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels. To the untrained eye, these bikes appear unconventional, but their design flaws extend beyond aesthetics—they compromise handling and create what’s known as "toe overlap," a hazardous condition where the rider’s toes can collide with the front wheel at low speeds.

While brands like Trek, Specialized, and Scott emphasize research-based designs catered to the average female physique, others like Cervélo and Felt stick to more aggressive riding positions favored by men. Regardless of whether a bike is marketed toward women or labeled "unisex," manufacturers ensure components that come into direct contact with the rider are optimized for comfort. This includes narrower handlebars with shallower drops, slimmer grips, shorter crank arms, and specialized saddles.

Modern mountain bikes often come equipped with trigger shifters and adjustable brake levers suited for smaller hands, although road bikes pose a challenge due to the lack of female-specific shifters. Both Shimano and SRAM allow reach adjustments using standard tools, while Shimano levers can be moved closer to the bars via shims. Unfortunately, Campagnolo shifters offer no such flexibility.

Addressing Common Concerns

Despite ongoing efforts to attract more women to cycling, they still represent only 24.7% of riders. Safety remains the biggest barrier preventing women from embracing biking. A 2010 survey revealed that 73% of women cited distracted driving as their primary safety concern. Beyond traffic risks, fears of sexual harassment and assault further deter potential riders. Practical issues like transporting children or luggage, coupled with concerns about personal injury, also influence decisions regarding cycling.

Recent advancements in bike technology and urban infrastructure aim to alleviate these concerns. Companies like Pedego, Juiced Riders, and Yuba have introduced cargo e-bikes capable of tackling steep city roads while carrying substantial loads. Dedicated bike lanes and trails, such as those developed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, are making urban environments safer and more accessible than ever before. Velosurance offers comprehensive cyclist insurance covering theft, damage, liability, and medical expenses, providing peace of mind for both riders and their bikes.