Hannah Hammoud
A new study from Monash University has revealed that twice as many men ride bikes as women.
The study found that women experience extra barriers and concerns about riding a bike, on top of those also reported by men, including a fear of falling off their bike and into motor vehicle traffic, concerns about their personal safety in unsafe environments, and being made to feel inadequate as a cyclist.
Mara Ferraro is a member of the Whittlesea Bicycle Users Group (BUG) and in previous years has run Women’s Learn to Ride programs aimed at breaking down barriers to participation.
“I wanted to get more women on bikes and share my joy of riding with others who may not feel so confident,” she said.
Ms Ferarro said that unfortunately all cyclists, not just women, have a story of a car driver harassing them as they drive past.
“I also believe that the more mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and female partners that are riding will eventually impact on some of the negative attitudes that are directed at cyclists,“ she said.
“I’m hoping for a generational change.”
The study highlighted that one of the main barriers to people getting on a bike, is a lack of supportive infrastructure that can protect them from motor vehicle traffic.
Ms Ferraro says that well planned cycling infrastructure such as better connectivity between trails and routes on cycling paths and greater separation between bike lanes and cars would help to get more people active.
“It’s great to see that when new roads are built or upgrades of existing train lines and roads happen that separated shared user paths are drawn into the design,” she said.
“Bicycle User Groups like the one I belong to do a lot of work behind the scenes advocating for improved cycling infrastructure.
“… There are lots of cycling groups out there catering to different ages and types of riding so I would encourage women to seek them out on social media. Or get a group of your own friends together to explore the paths in your own area.”
