The Women and Family Cycling Initiative aims to support women and families who bike and encourage more women and families to bike in Boston.
While bicycle ridership in Boston has been steadily increasing, Boston Bikes count data shows that still only 30% of Boston’s cyclists are women. Families who bike together remain largely an anomaly in the city. Yet, research and practice show that in places where there are high rates of women and families biking, bike safety, bike friendliness, and overall biking levels increase.
Through the Women and Family Cycling Initiative, Boston Bikes offers programming and resources specific to the needs of women who bike and families who bike together. By offering programs and resources specific for women and family cycling, Boston is joining a growing national movement that focuses on women and families to help increase the overall use of cycling as transportation, and increase the overall number of cyclists in our cities.
The City of Boston is one of the first governmental agencies in the nation to dedicate bicycle programming specifically to women and families.
Take Part in Our Initiative!
Join a FREE Women’s Bicycle Workshop or Ride!
Boston Bikes offers women’s specific on-bike workshops for varying skill levels. Our first beginners’ workshops were held in the fall of 2012 and more are anticipated in the spring of 2013.
Participate in a Family Biking Event!
Boston Bikes organizes biking fun for the whole family. Join a family bike ride, or learn about the different kid and cargo carrying options available at an expo event.
Stay Tuned for Public Events and Online Forums!
Boston Bikes hosts events and collects feedback from women and family cyclists and non-cyclists through public forums.
Get or Be a Women’s Bike Buddy!
The Women’s Bike Buddy program, which emphasizes transport cycling, helps aspiring cyclists gain more confidence, comfortability, and know-how for biking in Boston by riding with a more experienced “bike buddy.” Bike buddies go on rides with their partner and share tips on navigating traffic, good routes, safety, clothing, and more. We are currently recruiting women interested in becoming or getting a bike buddy. Interested persons fill out an application. When we have found your match, you will be contacted.
Be a Women’s Bike Ambassador for your community!
Boston Bikes is encouraging and supporting women and families who want to be bike ambassadors in their communities, workplaces, or schools. A women’s or family bike ambassador is someone who wants to be a resource and support for other women/families in their communities who want to learn about transport cycling. Ambassadors may offer cycling advice, organize rides, or promote women’s and family biking in other ways. The only qualification to be a bike ambassador is to be a woman or family biker and be enthusiastic about transport cycling! Boston Bikes offers resources, connects ambassadors with each other, and publicizes their work on our website.
If you are interested in any of these programs, or want more information on the Women and Family Cycling Initiative, please email womencycling@cityofboston.gov.