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. 

The hub of the program is the extremely vibrant Women Bike PHL Facebook group.

Women Bike PHL also holds rides, classes, and social events throughout the year, aimed at women bicyclists of all ability levels. Some of our events are just for women, while others are open to everyone.

Women Bike PHL events include, but are not limited to:

• Off-bike Urban Riding Basics classes
• Learn-to-Ride classes at Lloyd Hall
• Social bike rides highlighting local eateries or parks
• Basic mechanics classes hosted by local bike shops
• Visits from women bike leaders like Jacquie Phelan and Elly Blue
• Meetups for women bicyclists at bike-friendly bars and coffee shops

To see our upcoming events, visit the Bicycle Coalition events calendar.

In an effort to serve women of all ages, Women Bike PHL developed “Girl Scouts on Wheels,” a patch to help Philadelphia-area girls build confidence, skills, and knowledge on their bicycles. The patch requirements take girls through the basics of bike mechanics, bike safety, choosing safe routes, and exploring the diverse world of bicycling. The patch is aimed at Junior Girl Scouts, but could be adapted for younger or older girls.

Interested troop leaders should email Katie for patch requirements and more information.

To learn more about what Women Bike PHL accomplished in its first season, check out our November 2013 Report. [link to the report, which will live in “Our Reports” section]

Some other great programs getting more women on bicycles:

• Women Bike by the League of American Bicyclists
• Gearing Up
• WABA’s Women & Bicycles Program
• WE Bike NYC
• Black Women Bike: DC
• Elly Blue is a writer who often focuses on bicycling and gender in her books, zines, and articles.
• Velojoy is a NYC-based website focused on promoting bike culture, especially to women.