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The growing cultural acceptance of female riders is

indicative of larger societal changes in gender equality

sometimes treated as novelty
r i d e r s o r s e e n a s l e s s
experienced.
C u l t u r a l a n d S o c i e t a l
Influences
The U.S. has a long history of
challenging gender norms, and
motorcycling has been no
exception. Over the past several
d e c a d e s , w o m e n h a v e
i n c r e a s i n g l y e m b r a c e d
motorcycling as both a hobby
and a mode of self-expression.
The growing cultural acceptance
of female riders is indicative of
larger societal changes in gender
equality, where women are now
more likely to seek out activities
that have traditionally been
viewed as male-dominated.

In contrast to South Africa, where
cultural and traditional gender
roles can be more rigid, American
society has witnessed broader
acceptance of women in non-
traditional roles. This is evident in
the high visibility of female riders
at motorcycling events, rallies,
and in media representation.
Hollywood and television have
also played a role in normalizing
the image of women riders, with
characters like Sons of Anarchy's
Gemma Teller and Thelma and
Louise helping to shape the
cultural narrative of women on
motorcycles.
Conclusion: Comparing
Women in Motorcycling in
South Africa and the U.S.
While both South Africa and the
United States have seen an
increase in female participation
in motorcycling, the path for
women riders in these two
countries has been shaped by
different cultural, historical, and
societal factors.
In the United States, women
have had a longer history of
involvement in motorcycling, with
a more established infrastructure
of female riders. LHR

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 10 February 2025