Ever since the 1870s the humble bicycle has played a role in the emancipation of women and had an impact on their lives. For example, in its early days, the bicycle was used to make a statement about women’s rights and roles in the world as they were freed from whalebone corsets and long skirts.
At the time, these changes shocked society and male doctors predicted terrible things as women were exposed to speed and freedom.
Today more and more women are getting into cycling and clubs, and women-only events are popping up to provide opportunities for females who want to get into cycling. But some women aren’t keen to take part in what is still seen as a male-dominated sport where, unfortunately, sexist attitudes still occasionally prevail. Anything that can be done to change that and help encourage more people – not just women – on to bikes and give them confidence to cycle, can only be a good thing.
This male domination of the sport, right up to the highest levels, is very frustrating. At a time when we have so many female sporting role models, women in the sport are still in a minority. There is high quality racing going on in women’s cycling, but coverage by broadcasters and press is, at best, an ad hoc tag-on to the male event and, at worst, just completely ignored.
I remember once writing about a now defunct cycling magazine which, during its 18 years of monthly publication, featured women less than 30 times. Things have not improved much in cycling media.
The cycling industry is, however, slowly latching on to the fact that there may be a huge untapped market out there. Historically bikes for women were just a smaller version of the male model, painted in patronising pastel shades, and although many still are, this is changing, as more and more manufacturers realise that a suitable bike fit for a woman requires specific details and not just a smaller frame.
New companies designing women’s specific cycling clothing, such as Ana Nichoola and Findra, are popping up and the world of cycling for women is starting to look a lot more appealing.
At a time when we are trying to encourage our sedentary population into more active lifestyles it is disheartening to see fewer girls continue sport through secondary school and into adult life. I see this at races with my daughter – as she progresses through the age categories she has less and less competition. The pressures from an image-conscious media trying to sell “beauty” and a materialistic society encouraging girls to conform to a stereotype are as equally damaging.
Back to the late 19th Century and women in their droves cast away the ridiculous assertions of the medical professionals by smashing through road blocks.
So let’s encourage and support the women in our lives – and everyone else too – to get outside and be active. It’s good for the soul and it’s good for the planet. So what better excuse is needed to get out on your bike and ride?
Breeze: If you want to find some local women’s only cycle rides for all abilities then check out the British Cycling Breeze initiative for details of what is going on in your area:
Where to Ride: Cleish – Knockhill Circular Road Cycle
OS 1:50,000 Map 58 Start – NT119016
Distance: 23 miles/ 37km
Details: Starting in Kinross this hilly road circuit takes you out on the unclassified road past Gellybank and up through Nivingston Craigs. Join the B914 for a short section west, before turning north on the A823 past Knockhill. Just beyond Hill End turn east again on the unclassified road to Cleish and then back to Kinross
