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Women’s involvement in cycling through history
Women have made a historic milestone in U.S. cycling: 60% of bicycle owners between the ages of 18 and 27 are women. This shift marks a significant change in the demographics of cycling, reflecting broader societal changes and growing interest among young women in biking as both a sport and a lifestyle.
For decades, cycling has been seen as a male-dominated activity. While many girls ride bikes during elementary and middle school, most tend to stop by high school. However, this wasn't always the case. In the 1890s, bicycles became a symbol of freedom for women, offering a rare sense of independence. Susan B. Anthony once said that bicycling had “done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.â€
By the late 20th century, the number of teenage girls cycling dropped significantly. Research from the National Children's Bureau showed that boys cycled about 138 miles a year, while girls only cycled 24 miles. The drop was often attributed to fashion or fear—girls felt less comfortable on bikes or were discouraged by social norms.
Recent data from major bike-share programs in New York, Chicago, and Boston shows that for every three men riding, only one woman does. Nationally, women accounted for 24% of bike trips in 2009. In contrast, countries like Germany and the Netherlands see much higher participation, with over 49% and 55% of cyclists being women, respectively.
Interestingly, women aged 18 to 24 actually ride more days per year than men of the same age, but their riding frequency drops sharply when they enter child-rearing years. However, older women, especially baby boomers, continue to ride frequently, showing that cycling is just as enjoyable for them as it is for men—when time allows.
In the early 2000s, cycling shifted from a pastime to a competitive sport. By 2015, a new trend emerged: cycling was becoming more of a daily transportation tool rather than just a recreational activity. Since 2006, the number of women commuting by bike has grown by 58.8%, outpacing growth among men. Between 2011 and 2012, women’s bike commuting increased by 10.9%, compared to 8.4% for men.
Bike brands have started focusing more on women, creating bikes with female-specific geometries, better-fitting saddles, and more stylish designs. These efforts have led to an increase in women who cycle 110 days or more per year, reaching over 1.3 million. While men also saw an increase, the growth rate for women remains higher.
Despite these improvements, many women still avoid cycling due to safety concerns. A 2010 survey found that 73% of women cited “distracted driving†as a top concern. Other fears include harassment, the inability to carry children, and the risk of injury. To address these issues, cities are expanding bike lanes and promoting safer infrastructure. Companies like Pedego and Yuba have introduced cargo e-bikes that make cycling more practical for families.
Insurance options like Velosurance provide coverage for theft, damage, liability, and even medical expenses, giving cyclists peace of mind. With growing awareness and better infrastructure, the future of cycling looks brighter—and more inclusive—for everyone.