Happy International Women’s Day yesterday, March 8! I’m not aware of any official rides happening in the area, but from March 8th until the 11th, rides are being held to celebrate. From www.inspyrdmovement.org:
7th Annual International Women’s Day Together We Ride
Sunday, March 8th through Wednesday, March 11th, 2026
Use YOUR VOICE with the bike as a medium for equity, unity and positive social change.
Ride for INCLUSION and EQUITY as we all pedal forward TOGETHER.
What: To celebrate the achievements, persistence and future of women and girls all around the world by doing a bike ride in honor of International Women’s Day. Let’s ride together virtually as we strive to promote gender balance in the world, raise awareness against bias and spread the word about this impactful day. International Women’s Day is every year on March 8th and it began in 1911. This will be the 115th year celebrating International Women’s Day and the 7th year of our event which started in 2020. For more information about International Women’s Day: https://www.internationalwomensday.com
Also, you can connect with others on
Facebook Public Group: International Women’s Day Together We Ride Bike Ride
Instagram @togetherweride1, #togetherweride1
Strava https://www.strava.com/clubs/TWRIM
Why we don’t celebrate the day as much in the U.S. as in other countries, I don’t know. As to women’s lower percentage among riders of bikes in the U.S., there are several theories. First though, this is not the case everywhere, as seen in the graph below. The countries with more and safer bike infrastructure are the countries with a higher overall percentage of commutes taken by bike by everyone. As the size of American cars has gone up the safety of the cyclists and pedestrians around them has gone down. One theory is that women are generally more risk averse. Another is that there are higher expectations put on women to look professional at work, which is not difficult to deal with when you figure out how to do it. Others say that American women spend more time driving children around and getting groceries. A Dutch rider debunks this below. Also, some cities in Japan show women cyclists at rates equal to men, which I witnessed, often riding with child seats and e-assist. Another factor may be something as simple as bike fit. I know someone who has never met a comfortable bike saddle in her life. Also, a lack of basic bike maintenance knowledge can put anyone off who’s trying to make riding a regular habit of it. Others want the company of other women to ride with and haven’t connected yet. Whatever the reason, Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and in most cases, a way around that detour.
