Around the world, there has been an increase in the number of women riding motorbikes.
‘According to Woman’s Hour, membership of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association, which is well represented in Britain alongside the British Motorcyclists Federation, has risen by 50% over the past two years.’
In July 2022, women gathered in Leicestershire for the World’s Largest Female Biker Meet, organised by Moto Adviser, to raise the profile of female bikers. These empowering events and gatherings are happening more and more often.
Traditionally, biking has been a male-dominated field, leading on from the fact that women enjoyed less independence, the lack of acceptance of a woman travelling on her own and, in general, the idea that women aren’t interested in machines or getting dirty. However, the motorbike industry is taking note of the rise of the female market and their different needs and demands.
Why has the number of female bikers risen, though? We’ll have a brief look below.
The Internet
The internet, particularly social media, has made a big difference in the number of female bikers. The interconnectedness allows experienced riders to talk to others and share experiences. They can form a club that welcomes them as riders, where they can share ideas, maintenance tips, reviews of bikes and so on – solidifying riding as part of who they are as people. This social aspect is particularly important in encouraging other women to see if they enjoy riding a motorbike. Joining a club (even if it’s only online) of similar-minded women can increase confidence and enjoyment of motorbikes. Seeing other women battle outdated stereotypes online, encourages ladies to take that first step and book their CBT (Compulsory Basic Training).
Types of Bikes Available
The motorbike manufacturing industry has put a lot more time into smaller bikes and scooters to encourage more people to ride. This has worked in women’s favour. 125cc motorbikes are smaller and are more suited for learning. On average, women are smaller and lighter than men, so having more accessibility to more suitably sized bikes (even those above 125cc) is always going to be beneficial. In the UK, riders can start on a 125cc motorbike with just the CBT, which can be done in a day. This has also made learning how to ride a motorbike more accessible to everyone looking for a straightforward way to get started.
Social Perceptions
Motorbike riding has become a lot more family-friendly over the decades. Nowadays, motorbike events have food stalls, displays, races, and shows that are all suitable for children to watch. This also means that there has been a rapid decline in the stereotypical cartoons of naked women leaning against motorbikes in the biking culture and a rise in a welcoming atmosphere where everyone, no matter their age or gender, can join in. With local clubs less likely to reject a membership solely on the grounds that the rider is female, more and more women riders are seen on the roads in ride-outs, which we think is pretty incredible.
Difficulties Still To Overcome
There are still some barriers for female bikers to overcome. The availability of good quality kit and well-fitting safety gear is limited, and there is still a large assumption (shown in the type of kit available) that the women will be pillions, not drivers.
As mentioned above, the types of bikes also matter. Women are more likely to struggle with heavier bikes, and the bike models are generally designed for larger framed bodies. However, with the increase in factors like seat adjustability, narrow fuel tanks and lighter weight but powerful machines, there is a growing number of options for female riders.
We hope you found this article interesting!
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