Women's Cycling Survey

Between April 24 and June 25, 180 women cyclists took our survey, representing fifty-eight different communities in Florida, two in Tennessee, one in Georgia, and one in Texas.[1]

Experienced cyclists accounted for the majority of survey participants as it was largely distributed through cycling clubs and race promoters. Of the women surveyed, 45.8 percent of those who indicated their age group selected 26-40 years old, 45.3 percent indicated that their age fell between 41-59 years old. The largest response (32.8 percent ) was from women who have been cycling over 10 years ; 18.9 percent have been cycling 6-9 years; 24 percent have been cycling 3-5 years ; and 18.3 percent indicated they have been cycling 1-2 years. Only 12 women (6.7 percent) listed “under a year” to describe their cycling experience. Welcome to the sport!

Women surveyed responded to a number of questions dealing with a variety of topics. We plan to disseminate information from these responses to cycling organizations, clubs and event promoters. This blog provides some preliminary findings.

Why did the women surveyed become involved in cycling?

The number one reason women surveyed indicated they became involved in cycling was a desire to improve their fitness (reason given by 105 women or 60 percent of those surveyed). What did women surveyed say has encouraged them or would encourage them to ride more? The women surveyed indicated “improving my fitness level,” “getting faster,” “safe routes to ride,” “having more time,” and “having better skills,” were /are Extremely Important in encouraging them to ride more. Other factors that the majority of survey takers indicated as “Somewhat Important” included “finding women to ride with,” “belonging to a club,” “learning more about bike and road safety," “finding people to ride with," and “knowing basic bike repairs.”

By far, women are encouraged to ride more if they get better at it! Thus, helping women get better (fitness, skills, and speed) will encourage women ridership.

Given the importance experienced women cyclists attribute to skill development, it is not surprising that 149 women indicated they would like to learn more about their cycling discipline or another. The majority indicated wanting to learn more about road and mountain biking, followed by time-trialing and triathlons; however, all cycling disciplines such as track, cyclo-cross, commuting, duathlons, XTERRA, and BMX were mentioned. Note: The women surveyed ride frequently and therefore offer great insight into what encourages women to ride. Only 15 of the 180 women surveyed indicated that they ride once a week or less. The majority (38.3 percent) ride bikes 2-3 times a week, followed by 36.7 percent who ride 4-5 times a week.

Why do women race bicycles and what would encourage them to race more?

Of the 100 women survey takers who race(d), 61 indicated the "desire for competition" (60 percent) as their reason for racing, followed by "thought it would be fun" and a "desire to get faster." Please note women could select up to three factors. The majority of the women indicated that the following factors were Extremely Important in encouraging them to race and continue racing: "reaching my goal and improving my results" (51 percent/N=49), "well organized events/professionalism of the promoters" (54 percent), "women categories are raced and scored separately" (36.1 percent) and "closer events" (31 percent).

Why do the women surveyed belong to clubs?

100 women indicated belonging to a cycling club. Top three types of clubs women surveyed have joined: Road Riding (65.2 percent), Mountain Biking (33 percent), and Cycling Advocacy Organization (17.4 percent). Most women learned about clubs from friends (47.2 percent), bike shops (24.7 percent) and the Internet (24.7 percent). Top reasons women joined clubs was to "have people to ride with" (82 percent), "learn cycling routes/trails" (46.2 percent), and "to learn about cycling," (30 percent). Note women could select up to three reasons. Women indicated that ride time/day is an Extremely Important factor in encouraging them to ride with their clubs. Women surveyed considered "ride location" (48 percent), "different level groups" (43 percent), "knowing I have someone to ride with" (36 percent) and "having better skills" (28.2 percent) as Very Important factors in encouraging them to attend club rides. If you want more information about our survey and the results, let us know. We also welcome your comments.

Endnote
[1] Alachua, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Boca Raton, Bradenton, Brandon, Cape Coral, Casselberry, Chiefland, Christmas, Clearwater, Coral Springs, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Deland, Delray Beach, Dunedin, Fernandina Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Hollywood, Hypoluxo, Interlachen, Invernese, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Land O'Lakes, Lantana, Lighthouse Point, Longwood, Merritt Island, Miami, New Port, Richey, New Smyrna Beach, Odessa, Oviedo, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Harbor, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Saint Augustine, Sanford, St. Petersburg, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, Valrico, Venice, Wesley Chapel, West Palm Beach, West Park, Weston, Winter Haven, Winter Park. Out of State survey takers reside in Albany, GA , Kingsport , TN , and Limestone,TN, and somewhere in Texas.