When I moved to San Diego, I decided to attend one of the area’s popular group rides, which typically attracted over 100 participants every Saturday. With multiple ride categories — A, B, C, D, and two developmental groups — I carefully chose the D group to avoid the pressure of keeping up while I was learning a new route. On the day of the ride, I showed up with my “this cost way too much” road bike, hoping for a fun, relaxed experience. When the group leader asked the newbies to introduce themselves, I felt satisfaction in my decisions. Unfortunately, that feeling quickly disappeared when it came time for my introduction. Almost faster than I could get “Hello, my name is Emily” out, the group leader suggested I might be more comfortable in a developmental group and asked if I had ridden in a group before. As the only woman in the D group, I was put on guard and quickly rattled off my cycling experiences to prove I belonged. But, I couldn’t help but wonder: If this was meant to be a welcoming group, why had they singled me out?
After discussing this experience with other women, it became clear I wasn’t alone. Many women face similar moments of doubt and exclusion when stepping into cycling spaces, especially those dominated by men. For this reason, among many others, women’s cycling groups have become a vital space for breaking down these barriers, fostering community, and empowering women to feel more confident on and off the bike.
The State of Women’s Cycling: A Struggle for Equality
The 2024 Outdoor Industry Report confirms that women remain underrepresented in outdoor activities, cycling included, with Strava’s 2023 report showing that women cyclists spend less than half as much time on their bikes as men. The barriers women face go beyond access to equipment or physical capabilities — they often feel excluded from spaces that lack supportive, welcoming environments. As cycling continues to grow, these barriers are slowly being addressed by women’s groups that offer both social and athletic benefits. In addition, the Tour de France Femmes has redefined the conversation around women’s cycling by bringing the sport into the spotlight. With recordbreaking viewership and attention, the race has proven that women’s cycling deserves the same recognition as the men’s race. This visibility not only elevates professional athletes, but also inspires recreational cyclists — encouraging women to push their boundaries and ride with more confidence.
Local Women’s Cycling Groups: A Place to Belong
Across the US, women’s cycling groups are growing rapidly, offering essential spaces for women to learn and grow as cyclists. These groups cater to various skill levels, but also focus on creating supportive, inclusive environments where women can thrive. For example, in RI, Stedman’s Women’s Road Ride in South Kingstown and Ten Speed Spokes’ Women’s Ride each provide a welcoming atmosphere for women looking to explore road biking. Similarly, the RI/NEMBA Women’s MTB Ride in Westerly and the Tiverton Velo Club MTB Women’s Ride offer mountain biking opportunities for women to enjoy the trails in a supportive community. These rides create spaces where women can connect, learn new skills, and build confidence together. For those who want to challenge themselves, the Women’s Fast Ride sponsored by Bikeworks in Barrington offers a higher-intensity experience while still maintaining a focus on camaraderie. While not women-specific, groups like Providence Bike Jam and New Bedford Starchasers offer shorter, social rides that focus on socialization rather than competition. These rides are perfect for those looking to ease into cycling or to simply enjoy a more laid-back, community-centered experience.
Why Women-Only Rides Matter: A Path Toward Change
Women’s cycling groups play a vital role in building confidence, fostering community, and increasing inclusivity. With the growing visibility of professional races like the Tour de France Femmes, women are finding more inspiration to take up cycling. These races highlight the incredible potential of women athletes and show that women belong in competitive cycling spaces. This visibility is reflected in local women’s rides, which provide a supportive environment where cyclists can grow at their own pace, free from the pressures often found in mixed-gender rides. Women-only groups also play a key role in creating inclusive spaces for all gender identities, including trans and nonbinary individuals. These groups are increasingly focused on breaking down barriers and ensuring that cycling is accessible to everyone.
Events like the Women’s Fast Ride or New Bedford Starchasers offer riders a range of experiences, from pushing your physical limits to casual social rides, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered. As women’s cycling continues to gain momentum, both at the professional level and within local communities, these groups offer a critical path toward change. By supporting diverse, inclusive spaces, cycling is becoming a sport where everyone — regardless of identity — can find their place and thrive. Thinking back to that first ride in San Diego, I realize how different my experience would have been if there were more women. Today, the women’s rides I attend offer exactly what I needed then — an inclusive space where I can feel welcome, confident, and truly part of the community surrounded by some seriously badass women. •
Photo: Emily Boardman
