According to the Bicycle Coalition’s annual bike counts, only one third of Philadelphia bicyclists are women. Possible explanations for this gender gap:
- Higher risk-aversion among women
- Inadequate bikes/gear designed for women
- Unwelcoming bike shops and clubs
- Street harassment
- Sweating, helmet hair, clothing concerns
- Parenting and errand-running logistics
- …and more!
We created Women Bike PHL in 2013 to address some of these barriers to biking among women. Through rides, classes, and social events, we directly educate and encourage women in Philadelphia who are interested in biking, but concerned for any number of reasons.
Women Bike PHL works to highlight and celebrate the stories of Philadelphia’s women bicyclists. Both online and in person, we create spaces for people to connect, building much-needed community among Philadelphia’s female bicyclists.