Is motorcycling just for men? Not on your life!

The latest statistics indicate that one out of ten U.S. motorcycle owners is a woman. With 6,617,000 documented owners in 2003 that converts to about 662,000 female motorcycle owners.

Another study from the Motorcycle Industry Council reports that out of an estimated 23 million motorcycle operators, roughly 4 million are female.

Is this enough to support the claim that motorcycling is NOT a man’s sport?

Well, it can’t really be answered with only a count of numbers. Let’s ask it this way:

What kind of impact are women having on the sport?

During a recent national women’s motorcycle conference, hosted by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), attendance was up nearly 50% over the prior conference. Representatives came from 45 states and 8 countries. The economic impact on the community where the event was held (Athens, GA) was over $675,000.

Women ARE making a difference in the world of motorcycling.

A bit of internet research also shows that women are involved and participating in the sport in a big way. With one quick google search, one can find dozens of sites focused on women and motorcycle riding.

These include:

• WomenRidersNow.com, a newly launched e-zine especially for women.
• MotorMaids.org, the first womens-only motorcycle organization in North America.
• She-Rides.com, a retailer specializing in women’s riding gear.
• TwistySisters.com, a nonprofit organization of women existing just for the fun of riding.

Today, it’s easy to find female riding groups from coast to coast, women racing motorcycles, and women owning motorcycle related businesses. In fact, the ‘national voice of motorcycling’ — the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) — is headed by a woman. Fancy that.

In Part 2 of this article, we will review a little motorcycle history and meet two women who are motorcycle riding instructors — Jennifer Hooper and Joanna Murray.

Donn

Related posts:

1. Are motorcycles just for men? — part 2