Gaining Traction: Celebrating the Increasing Impact of Women Riders

It’s no surprise that the number of women motorcycle owners has increased over the years, long leaving behind the days rested against the sissy bar.

Perhaps all those years of “falling off” prompted women to hold their own, or maybe the guys just made it look too good to go without. Whatever the reason, ladies are saddling up and charging the road all on their own.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council’s latest statistics, female riders are the fastest-growing group of new riders in the industry making up 25% of all motorcycle riders and 1 in 10 motorcycle owners being women.

While men still dominate the population of riders, manufacturers and other key players in the industry are picking up on the rapid growth and catering to their needs.

More specifically, Harley-Davidson has created multiple ad campaigns over the years targeting women with empowering tag lines encouraging women to ride their own motorcycles; additionally, more dealerships are offering women’s riding apparel and accessories.

But aside from being the best therapy out there, what’s one of the greatest qualities of being a lady rider? Connecting to a community of courageous, independent women who have also taken over the reins of freedom and charged full speed ahead.

Many organizations dedicated to female riders have sprouted up across the nation for new, experienced, or even passenger riders who love all things related to women and motorcycling. Below you can find a list of some of the largest and oldest motorcycling groups and clubs dedicated to women:

Chrome Diva – “A ladies-only motorcycle organization, consisting of both riders and passengers and even some non-riding women who just love motorcycles and participating in charity functions.”

Dykes on Bikes – “An organization committed to creating a local, national, and international community of women motorcyclists and friends of women motorcyclists.”

Leather and Lace Motorcycle Club -“created to bring women together who have a serious interest in motorcycling and in making a difference in the lives of others. Upon this foundation, the women of Leather & Lace Motorcycle Club have built a strong sisterhood. Not only do they share the wind and the roads, but they also share an unwavering purpose and spirituality. Though the miles may separate them, they remain together as one.”

Women on Wheels – “Founded in California by an avid woman motorcyclist in 1982. Its purpose was and still is, to unite all women motorcycle enthusiasts, whether they ride their own machine, are motorcycle passengers or enthusiasts, or future motorcyclists. WOW members are located throughout the United States, Canada, and several other countries. WOW has nearly 3000 members and is growing strong!”

Women Riders Now – “the leading resource, online or in print, for motorcycling news and reviews from a female point of view.”