Where were the women?

[WimbledonCyclist]

On my 9-mile commute along the A24/A3/into the City I counted the grand total of ONE lady cyclist amongst the dozens of cyclist out on the road.

Not that I'm in the habit of counting ladies, but after 15 minutes into my ride I realised that all the cyclists I had seen were blokes. Cue my delight when finally, while cycling over London Bridge, a lady cyclist came cycling out of the City. She was, however, the only one I saw today.

Is this an instance of the law of large numbers at work - i.e. while it's unlikely to occur, it would be even more unlikely for it never to occur, or have the ladies just copped out for the day? Where were you, ladies?

 

[brokenbetty]

About 50/50 on my route this morning.

 

[ianrauk]

I don't see many women cyclists on my commute which is surprising as it can be very busy with cyclists.

 

[BuzzyJace]

Counting women?! I didn't see a single cyclist today, could be because I was late getting out of bed (naughty me!).

Anyway I've never noticed whether the cyclist is male or female before. So there's another resolution to add to the ever growing list - I believe in change/we can't go on like this....

 

[Wheeledweenie]

I was in by bike this morning but, to be honest, unless it's the height of summer I'd say my average commute is 80-90 per cent male.

 

[Origamist]

I'm finding it hard to tell the difference - too many layers...

 

[johnr]

Was out yesterday, didn't see a single cyclist but about 20 women joggers and one bloke.

 

[upsidedown]

2 other cyclists, both male.
Haven't seen a female cyclist for weeks.

 

[e-rider]

If you want to see women in lycra go to the USA. On a recent visit to San Francisco I was amazed at how many female cyclists there were - at an estimate about 40/60 female/male ratio - these were serious cyclists not just commuters.

It must be about 1/100 in the UK in terms of club cycling!

 

[Wheeledweenie]

If you want to see women in lycra go to the USA. On a recent visit to San Francisco I was amazed at how many female cyclists there were - at an estimate about 40/60 female/male ratio - these were serious cyclists not just commuters.

It must be about 1/100 in the UK in terms of club cycling!

I take objection to that, I can be serious AND a commuter you know. Using a single pannier to transport a dress, two bras and dinner stuff for two including dessert is a feat I challenge any pro to match.

 

[coshgirl]

well...

This female cyclist has been cycling in every day - regardless of the weather. Which is more than can be said for quite a few of the male cyclists at work!

 

[ianrauk]

Excellent, good for you...

This female cyclist has been cycling in every day - regardless of the weather. Which is more than can be said for quite a few of the male cyclists at work!

 

[WimbledonCyclist]

I take objection to that, I can be serious AND a commuter you know.

It just shows a different mindset and attitude towards cycling.

I'm Dutch and if you were to ask me how seriously I took cycling back in the days that I lived there, it'd be like asking a fish how seriously it takes swimming. Back then, cycling to me was just second nature and the obvious way of getting around - something done without giving it a second thought. Now that I live in London, it's a bit more of a niche activity and a conscious thing - I now also wear cycling clothes here in London I while back in Holland it never even occurred to me that there could be some benefit in getting a cycling wardrobe - although admittedly I did cycle shorter distances.

The prevalence of hordes of lycra-clad cyclists in the US merely shows that cycling is not a "regular", everyday and utilitarian activity there, but a sport that requires a vast array of accoutrements.

In any case, I agree with one sentiment in tundragumski'spost: bring on the lycra-clad ladies. Imagine the Nirvana-on-Thames London would be if millions of London's lovelies ventured out in [strikethrough: figure-hugging lycra] [corrected phrase: appropriate cycling attire].

 

[Wheeledweenie]

Oops, I was only kidding although I do, in fact, wear lycra

 

[ianrauk]

A distinct lack of any cyclists today on the A21