Report Shows Women Changing Face of Bicycling

According to a new report by the League of American Bicyclists, From 2003 to 2012, the number of women and girls who bicycle rose 20%, compared to a .5% decline among men. 

The report, "Women on a Roll," which the League says is a first-of-its-kind, showcases a trend seen on streets nationwide: Women are changing the face of bicycling, and bicycling is transforming the lives of women. 

"Increasingly, advocacy groups and industry leaders are recognizing the gender gap as a clear—and critical— limitation to growing the bike movement and the market," said Carolyn Szczepanski, the League's Director of Communications and Women Bike. "This report puts hard data behind that imperative—and reveals what's working in getting more women on bikes and where there is clear opportunity to increase female leadership and participation."

According to the report:

• 82% of American women have a positive view of bicyclists
• Women are the new majority: 60% of bicycle owners aged 17-28 years old are women.
  
• Women accounted for 37% of the bicycle market in 2011, spending $2.3 billion.
  
• 45% of local and state bicycle advocacy organization staff are female.
  
• 89% of bike shop owners are male, but 33% of shops are run by a husband/wife team.
  
• Women are still underrepresented in leadership positions, including the boards of national industry and advocacy organizations—and their membership.
  
  

Download "Women on a Roll" here.