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One of the larger challenges for women riders in
the U.S. is the lack of mentorship
Challenges for Women Riders in conservative areas, where the idea country. Additionally, women-
South Africa of a woman riding a motorcycle focused motorcycle events such as
may be frowned upon. However, W o m e n R i d e r s N o w a n d
While the number of women in
motorcycling in South Africa is on with urbanization and greater International Female Ride Day
the rise, there are still several access to global media, there has offer women riders an opportunity
barriers to full participation. First, been a slow but steady shift in to connect, share experiences, and
there remains a strong gender bias attitudes, especially among showcase their skills. The
in the motorcycling world. Societal younger generations. Social media presence of these groups has
norms and expectations often has also played a critical role in greatly expanded the visibility and
discourage women from pursuing amplifying the voices of women a c c e p t a n c e o f w o m e n i n
activities considered "masculine," riders in South Africa, helping them motorcycling in the U.S.
such as motorcycling. Additionally, to share stories, experiences, and In addition to recreational riding,
there is a pervasive stereotype that advice that encourage other women in the U.S. have been
motorcycles are dangerous, which women to take up motorcycling. making significant strides in
may deter some women from even motorcycle racing. Female racers
considering the sport. such as Jody Perewitz and Shelina
Moreda have made history in both
Another significant challenge is
access to motorcycles and training. amateur and professional racing
While motorcycles are often events, demonstrating that women
cheaper than cars, they still c a n e x c e l i n c o m p e t i t i v e
represent a sizable financial motorcycling.
commitment, particularly for Challenges for Women Riders in
w o m e n i n l o w e r - i n c o m e the U.S.
communities. Furthermore, there is Despite the progress, challenges
a lack of women-focused training still exist for women in motorcycling
programs or female instructors, in the U.S. While the percentage of
which can make it harder for Current State of Women in w o m e n m o t o r c y c l i s t s h a s
w o m e n t o e n t e r t h e s p o r t Motorcycling in the United i n c r e a s e d , t h e y a r e s t i l l
confidently. Additionally, the States underrepresented in comparison to
relatively high cost of riding gear, Demographics and Growth men. Gender stereotypes persist,
particularly those designed with women often being viewed as
specifically for women, remains a The landscape for women in less skilled or serious about the
significant barrier for many South motorcycling in the United States is sport than their male counterparts.
African women. vastly different from that in South
Africa. Women riders in the U.S. Although the motorcycle industry
Cultural and Societal Influences h a v e b e e n a p a r t o f t h e has made strides in developing
I n S o u t h A f r i c a , c u l t u r a l motorcycling world for many women-specific gear and apparel,
perceptions about gender roles decades, and their numbers there is still a limited selection of
have historically been restrictive. continue to grow. According to data high-quality products, especially in
Traditional gender roles often from the Motorcycle Industry terms of protective riding gear,
associate men with the mechanical Council (MIC), as of 2020, nearly which is essential for safety.
world, while women are expected 20% of motorcycle riders in the One of the larger challenges for
to focus on domestic duties. As a U.S. were women, a significant women riders in the U.S. is the lack
result, women riders have had to increase from just 10% in the of mentorship. Although there are
battle entrenched social norms, 1990s. This growth is largely many women in the motorcycling
especially in rural areas, where attributed to the increasing community, it can sometimes be
male-dominated activities are popularity of motorcycles as a form difficult for new riders to find
more pronounced. This has led to of recreation, as well as broader experienced female mentors who
the development of a culture of societal shifts towards gender can provide guidance and support
resistance, with women motorcycle equality. in navigating the motorcycling
riders pushing against these norms There are many organizations in world. Many female riders report
to create their own space in a the U.S. that cater specifically to f e e l i n g l i k e o u t s i d e r s i n
traditionally male-dominated women riders. The Motor Maids, predominantly male environments,
activity. one of the most prominent and particularly when they attend larger
Social attitudes toward women l o n g e s t - r u n n i n g w o m e n ' s rallies or events, where women are
riders can be conservative, motorcycle clubs, now has sometimes treated as novelty
especially in more rural or thousands of members across the riders or seen as less experienced.
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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 10 February 2025
