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Question: Why is there a stigma against women riding motorcycles?

(Posted by: rock of luv 22 on 2010-03-09 16:53:00)

I am doing a research paper on the question above. I myself am a woman who loves to ride motorcycles and we have every right to ride, but there are some people who do not feel the same. If anyone could give me some answers why it would help me write my paper! Thanks!

Posted by: Scooter on 2010-03-09, 21:13:28

Use see, after WW2. it was mostly. If not almost all men, who rode motorcycles. Riding was, just not something women did. Then with the advent, of the male only motorcycle clubs. Where women, could only ride as a passenger. Throw in a few Hollywood movies, to cement things. You get 50+ years of male dominated culture. Also throw in the fact that. Motorsports in general, is a male dominated culture. That's a lot, to over come. Next, there is that. Not the many women, like to ride solo. I only know a dozen, or so women who ride solo. Of those, most spend as much time, on the back of their old mans bike, than there own. My wife is one of them, When I asked, why. She said, " I just like riding, behind you. "

Posted by: Scott H on 2010-03-09, 17:14:18

I didn't know there was. Ride safe.

Posted by: bluff mike on 2010-03-09, 17:20:40

There is not. "Women represent 23% of all motorcycle riders " womenridersnow.com/ PublicFiles/ DepartmentViewer.asp?ArticleID= 1440

Posted by: Max Cruise on 2010-03-09, 17:29:23

I didn't know there was a stigma against female riders. Family member is a motorcyclist. Rides with many female riders. No stigma at all.

Posted by: Firecracker . on 2010-03-09, 18:31:14

Asking the wrong crowd. We also share your attitude. You need to ask those who don't - they are the ones who should know why.

Posted by: Andy on 2010-03-09, 18:34:02

I'd rather look at a woman on a bike than some other guy.Get all your girlfriends to start riding too.I love seeing you out there.

Posted by: pieeatinguy on 2010-03-09, 20:28:01

If there is a stigma it probably stems from the old "woman drivers " jokes from the 70's. Not really based in truth but like the blond jokes from that era they seem to still hang on even today. Personally I don't think a woman on a bike is any less capable or skilled than a man. And where I live I ride with women on scooters, cruisers/ sport cruisers, sport bikes and dual purpose. No problems, accidents, or concerns from anyone else riding with us. Go girl...

Posted by: The Freak Show on 2010-03-09, 23:18:11

I don't think there is much of a stigma anymore. At least there isn't in my crowd. If we had more female riders, we would be thrilled. I'm sure there are some groups who don't support women riders, but I don't know any. I ride with a lot of different groups too. Maybe your paper should be about the shrinking stigma against women riders. I think it would be more accurate that way.

Posted by: ddrum on 2010-03-10, 10:08:27

Same here, never heard a negative remark about women riders personally. Sorry.