What is stopping women from cycling?

[Zillah]

I am a keen cyclist and I cycle on the road but I have been knocked off (when they discovered I was Type 2) and had many near misses, and abuse (usually from large impatient drivers) and I have been overtaken many times in a way that has endangered myself and other drivers, always by idiots (I'm being polite) I have even had my bottom slapped by a car driver as I was slowing to go round a corner!!! Its a great way to keep fit and its the only exercise I enjoy and as Type 2 a very important aspect of my routine so I won't be put off but my language does get increasingly bluer as I get more indignant 😳

 

[Northerner]

I am a keen cyclist and I cycle on the road but I have been knocked off (when they discovered I was Type 2) and had many near misses, and abuse (usually from large impatient drivers) and I have been overtaken many times in a way that has endangered myself and other drivers, always by idiots (I'm being polite) I have even had my bottom slapped by a car driver as I was slowing to go round a corner!!! Its a great way to keep fit and its the only exercise I enjoy and as Type 2 a very important aspect of my routine so I won't be put off but my language does get increasingly bluer as I get more indignant 😳

People shouldn't have to put up with that rubbish It's the same for women runners, many are reluctant to go out running, especially on their own, because of the abuse and comments

Good for you for persisting 🙂

 

[Davein]

I am a keen cyclist and I cycle on the road but I have been knocked off (when they discovered I was Type 2) and had many near misses, and abuse (usually from large impatient drivers) and I have been overtaken many times in a way that has endangered myself and other drivers, always by idiots (I'm being polite) I have even had my bottom slapped by a car driver as I was slowing to go round a corner!!! Its a great way to keep fit and its the only exercise I enjoy and as Type 2 a very important aspect of my routine so I won't be put off but my language does get increasingly bluer as I get more indignant 😳

You could invest in a helmet camera which would give you evidence . Our local police force regularly set traps with officers riding bikes and then catch drivers who do not allow a safe distance when overtaking them. You should not have to put up with such appalling behaviour.
There was a case recently where two cyclists were killed whilst doing a Lands End to John O'Groats charity bike run.

 

[Zillah]

You could invest in a helmet camera which would give you evidence . Our local police force regularly set traps with officers riding bikes and then catch drivers who do not allow a safe distance when overtaking them. You should not have to put up with such appalling behaviour.
There was a case recently where two cyclists were killed whilst doing a Lands End to John O'Groats charity bike run.

Yes I have thought about a helmet cam, it's funny but you can always tell a driver who is also a cyclist! Although I don't deny there are some daft cyclists out there also

 

[Northerner]

Yes I have thought about a helmet cam, it's funny but you can always tell a driver who is also a cyclist! Although I don't deny there are some daft cyclists out there also

I once got sent flying by a (woman) cyclist who ran a red light. I'd almost reached the other side and she came out of nowhere, riding on the inside of the gridlocked vehicles so I couldn't see her as I was crossing, and straight through the light. It was downhill too so she was going at quite a pace I think it really shocked her though, as though she hadn't even considered it, and even tried to say it was 'both our faults' until I pointed out to the still-red light! 😱

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

My last bike was stolen 😡. Years ago I was cycling home from work at night and got pelted with eggs from behind, it really hurt 😱 since then I'm nervous of cycling too far in the dark. My OH doesn't want me cycling at night due to safety concerns, especially since DX.
I'm on the look out for a second hand bike to pop to the shops, chemist and hospital on, I miss cycling

 

[Zillah]

I once got sent flying by a (woman) cyclist who ran a red light. I'd almost reached the other side and she came out of nowhere, riding on the inside of the gridlocked vehicles so I couldn't see her as I was crossing, and straight through the light. It was downhill too so she was going at quite a pace I think it really shocked her though, as though she hadn't even considered it, and even tried to say it was 'both our faults' until I pointed out to the still-red light! 😱

Not enough training given-I joined a club as I had never ridden on the roads and they gave great advice and training plus you get the benefit of more friends which is always a positive🙂

 

[Zillah]

My last bike was stolen 😡. Years ago I was cycling home from work at night and got pelted with eggs from behind, it really hurt 😱 since then I'm nervous of cycling too far in the dark. My OH doesn't want me cycling at night due to safety concerns, especially since DX.
I'm on the look out for a second hand bike to pop to the shops, chemist and hospital on, I miss cycling

Oh you should definitely get back in the saddle even if for short rides, things like that done by tossers do affect your confidence but you are better than them so go for it!!

 

[Radders]

I read somewhere that statistically per mile walking and cycling are equal in terms of risk of injury. So logically since I don’t let the risk deter me from walking, i won’t let it stop me cycling either!
I think training is a good idea. I did my cycling proficiency as a kid but I think it was my motorcycle training which really taught me about defensive riding. I would favour the idea of requiring those who are able to train on a bicycle before being allowed to drive a car!

 

[HOBIE]

Out in the fresh air ? 😎

 

[Wirrallass]

And maybe an ejection seat !!
CAROL

.....With a parachute attached!

 

[Randomdiabetictype1]

I'm female, 18 and cycle on the road. i think personally it's other road users just being idiots. However here it's mostly the buses. I've never been knocked off but out of all the close calls i've had it's mostly been with the local buses. As for drivers i've only had two random comments with van drivers which were:
1. My lights were too bright (there not that bright)
2. Not be in the middle of lane when your going to turn.

i've been told by another cyclist before to get in (in a bus lane) which would of been riding in the gutter..

But i just ignore this stuff as confronting them would just cause an argument and possibly lead into road rage.

 

[Matt Cycle]

For those who mentioned about saddles then there are women specific saddles.

http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/207800-8-best-womens-saddles-—-how-choose-right-one-you

On road bikes padded shorts/tights are a must but for both women and men it's not always about how much padding but that it's in the right places, i.e. fit and cut of the shorts/tights.

Re: the original article - it's shocking state of affairs in this day and age that women feel threatened from cycling on the roads. Hopefully attitudes are changing with a greater awareness of what constitutes harassment and that's it's not acceptable to do certain things (not that it ever was) and people will be punished if they do so.

In terms of appearance then yes lycra can be unflattering. Presumably men are less bothered as I've seen a number of 'pregnant' men riding around. 😱 Lycra is not essential for cycling and there are some cycle specific clothes made to look like normal clothes or if it's just pottering about on your bike then normal clothes are fine.

Safety is a concern for all cyclists - better infrastructure is a must with proper and coordinated cycle lanes etc, better road manners from all and greater punishments for all transgressors of the highway code.* (*Sent from my room in cloud cuckoo land).

 

[TrevA]

Cyclists in general get a lot of abuse, especially if they ride in groups and "dare" to ride 2 abreast, even though it is allowed under the Highway Code.

I know Leigh Campbell and Anna Allatt, as I'm a member of the same cycling club. The club is actually bucking the trend as it has nearly 40% female membership. They have Breeze and other Ladies only rides, which are all very well supported. They also join in the mixed sex rides where we have different groups according to ability. Living in a small town/large village with easy access to quiet country lanes also helps people to feel confident.

So, if you want to ride, join a club that has a thriving women's section or that caters for slower riders. My wife also rides and is one of the 40% of lady members. She prefers the mixed rides rather than the ladies only ones. Though.

 

[HOBIE]

There is always a way to get out 😉. Summer is on its way

 

[Zillah]

I was very good and went out yesterday- must 'up' my exercise as my BG's are too high and diet isn't working alone- or medication 😡

 

[HOBIE]

I was very good and went out yesterday- must 'up' my exercise as my BG's are too high and diet isn't working alone- or medication 😡

Good 4u Zillah 😎. Gold star !

 

[Bluebell44]

There are many reasons why women tend not to cycle - potholes are numerous and dangerous, patronising comments, seats that hurt,periods - I would like to see a man who was having a period being willing to cycle - the pain and discomfort is enough to stop one walking let alone cycling! "Live every day as if its your last" -is a meaningful comment - it might well be your last day if you are a cyclist! A young 20 something female was killed by a bus a few months ago in the town where I live - she was a very intelligent young woman with so much life ahead of her - how sad is that! My own daugher cycles to and from work every day and I am glad when she gets home and has survived the journey! Stay safe if you cycle!

 

[Bluebell44]

A friend has recently woven a cycling vest from hand dyed wool in bright oranges, with fluorescent strips on the back and battery powered lights stitched into the front. It is wonderful. I will ask her if I can post a picture of it.

Unfortunately she is off her bike now as she fell off on the ice and was injured.

The most common excuse I hear from woman about why they don’t cycle is they don’t like wearing a helmet as it mucks up their hair!!!

Counldnt give a monkeys a--e about my hair, its that kind of comment which is patronising to women!

 

[SB2015]

Counldnt give a monkeys a--e about my hair, its that kind of comment which is patronising to women!

Nor do I worry about mine, and if I don’t wear a helmet it feels really weird.

I do not feel I am being at all patronising in quoting what some good friends have said to me when I have challenged them about why they don’t wear a helmet. Apologies if you took it that way.