Page 40 - LHR Motorcycle Magazine May 2024

Women in motorcycling have a rich history and continue to make significant strides in the sport and industry.
While motorcycling has traditionally been dominated by men, women have been actively involved in various
aspects of motorcycling for decades.
Here are some key points about women in motorcycling:

1. Pioneers: Women have been riding motorcycles since motorcycling community. They organize events,
the early days of motorcycling. One notable pioneer is mentorship programs, and ini a ves to encourage
Bessie Stringfield, who in the 1930s and 1940s, defied more women to par cipate in motorcycling.
gender and racial stereotypes by traveling across the 6. Challenges: Despite progress, women in motorcycling
United States on her motorcycle. s ll face challenges such as stereotypes, sexism, and
2. Riders: Today, women are ac vely par cipa ng in all unequal treatment. However, their presence and
forms of motorcycling, including street riding, track achievements con nue to challenge these barriers
racing, off-road riding, and adventure touring. and inspire future genera ons of female riders.
Organiza ons like the Women's Interna onal
Motorcycle Associa on (WIMA) and Women Riders Overall, women play an essen al role in the past, present,
Now (WRN) provide pla orms for female riders to and future of motorcycling, contribu ng to its
connect, share experiences, and support each other. diversity, innova on, and vibrancy. As more women
3. Racers: Female racers have achieved success in join the motorcycling community, the sport and
various motorcycle racing disciplines, including road industry become more inclusive and reflec ve of the
racing, motocross, supercross, and flat track. Notable diverse range of enthusiasts worldwide.
female racers include Ana Carrasco, the first woman to
win a solo World Championship motorcycle race, and Women in motorcycling: breaking
Laia Sanz, a mul ple- me Women's Trial World stereotypes, shattering boundaries
Champion and Dakar Rally compe tor. Women in motorcycling are indeed breaking stereotypes
4. Industry Professionals: Women are also making their and shattering boundaries in numerous ways. Here are
mark in the motorcycle industry as engineers, some additional points highlighting their impact:
designers, mechanics, journalists, and execu ves.
1. Skill and Competence: Women riders are dispelling
They contribute to product development, marke ng,
the myth that motorcycling is exclusively for men by
media coverage, and advocacy efforts.
showcasing their skill, competence, and passion for riding.
5. Advocacy and Community: Female motorcyclists are
They excel in various disciplines, demonstrating that gender
ac vely involved in advocacy efforts to promote
does not determine riding ability.
safety, inclusivity, and representa on within the