Strava report dispels common myths surrounding women's cycling
Posted on in Cycles News
A survey conducted by Strava has revealed women's motivations, influences and buying attitudes towards cycling for sport and leisure.
Having questioned over 5000 women who use Strava to record their cycling habits, Strava have published the report in tandem with the launch of the Aviva Women's Tour, which starts in Norwich.
Of the female riders surveyed, 60 per cent disagreed that barriers were in place for women wanting to get into cycling, with the other 40 per cent citing the perceived danger of cycling as the biggest factor stopping more women from riding.
Mechanical proficiency and issues around the subject of body image were the other key barriers flagged up by 38 per cent of respondents.
According to the survey 51% have been cycling for less than 4 years, suggesting women's cycling has boomed in recent times. 62% took up cycling for general fitness and 56% were influenced by friends & family. When asked "What motivates you to cycle now?", 84% said general fitness, 59% said friends & family, and 32% said events. 29% said weight loss and 26% said commuting motivates them to cycle.
Two thirds of female cyclists ride up to 5 hours per week on average. For riding activities at least once a week, just 22% say they ride with a cycling club, while 79% ride on their own and 63% ride with others - friends, family or their partner.
When asked about their shopping habits, 31% state that they buy their gear from specialist online retailers and 23% buy from an independent bike shop.
Wiggle-High5 rider and Olympic gold medallist Dani King says the survey disproves common myths about women's cycling.
"Since I've been cycling I've consistently heard two things. 1. Women aren't interested in professional cycling and 2. There are significant barriers in place that prevent women from cycling. This report addresses these often quoted stereotypical views and shows them largely not be true," she said.
"There is however still more to achieve and with growth of media coverage surrounding women's cycling and increased focus from the industry, I hope women's cycling can reach its full potential; both in a sporting and recreational context."
Strava survey highlights
- 61% of female cyclists surveyed are inspired by pro cycling
- 84% of female cyclists are motivated by health & fitness
- 52% cycle for leisure and recreation, 32% commute
- 60% say there aren't barriers to entry for more women taking up cycling
- 63% ride socially at least once a week
- 60% ride a women's specific bike
- Specialized is the most ridden bike brand amongst female cyclists
- dhb and Castelli are the most popular apparel brands