When most people think of motorcycle clubs, the image that comes to mind is that of big men with full beards on Harley Davidsons. The reality is now very different. Women make up the fastest-growing segment among motorcycle enthusiasts. According to a survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), 19% of motorcycle owners are women, and that percentage continues to grow.
The era of the “biker chick,” which relegated women in the motorcycle riding world to subservient roles is dying out. Today, there many female motorcycle clubs across the United States where women who enjoy the freedom and excitement that comes with motorcycle riding come together to show the world that motorcycles are not restricted to men.
To help you know more about this emerging phenomenon, here is everything you need to know about America's female motorcycle clubs.
15 Female Motorcycle Clubs Can Be Found All Over The Country
Female bikers looking for an exclusive community of female motorcyclists can join any of the hundreds of all-women motorcycle clubs across the country. The influence of female bikers has grown to the point that Maggie McNally-Bradshaw was elected unanimously as the Chairwoman of the board of directors of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 2013.
14 Each Club Is Independent With Its Own Uniform And Rules
All-female motorcycle clubs are truly independent. Each club has its own female leaders, logo, colors, conventions, and, mission statement. This practice started from the pioneers – the Motor Maids club, who selected silver-gray and royal blue as their colors and a shield as their logo. Since then, every female motorcycle club has defined its own identity.
13 The Motor Maids Are The First All-Female Motorcycle Club In The USA
All-female motorcycle clubs are not new, the first all-female motorcycle club was established in 1941 by Dot Robinson and Linda Dugeau. The club was founded on two core principles; members must act like ladies at all times, and they must own their own motorcycles. Today, the club has chapters all over the country, and the values of its founders continue to guide the Motor Maids.
12 Many Members Are Younger Females
The survey by MIC also showed that the majority of female motorcycle owners are younger women. Among millennials – women make up 26% of motorcycle owners, and for the Gen X - 22% of motorcycle owners are women. In contrast, for the Baby Boomer generation, only 9% of motorcycle owners are women.
11 Dot Robinson Was The Founder Of The Motor Maids Club And She Won A Racing Championship
In her time, motorcycle clubs were restricted to men and the same applied to motorcycle racing, but Dot Robinson was a pioneer, and pioneers are not deterred by conventions. Dot Robinson competed in the Jack Pine National Endurance Championship in 1940, and she became the first woman to ever win it.
10 There Is An All African-American Female Motorcycle Club Called The Caramel Curves
If you are a native of New Orleans, then the sight of a group of female motorcyclists in high heels cruising through town and leaving a trail of pink smoke is probably familiar. For the rest of us, it is unique. The Caramel Curves is the first all-African-American female motorcycle club in the country and the social media and our humble selves are in love with them.
9 Bessie Stringfield Was The First African-American Female Founder Of A Motorcycle Club
Bessie Springfield was a special woman. She was the first African-American woman to ride a motorcycle solo across the country, and the first African-American woman to be the founder of a motorcycle club - the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club. In an era where racism and sexism were rampant, she managed eight solo bike trips across the country. That was a special woman.
8 Female Empowerment Is A Key Theme
In male motorcycle clubs, for most female members, their affiliation was attached to their male partner. If she loses her man, then she losses all ties to the club. All-female clubs have changed this. Members feel empowered and independent, and their membership is no longer linked to the whims of a man.
7 Members Are From All Walks Of Life
The mission of the majority of female motorcycle clubs is to unite “All” women that love motorcycles. Members are wives, mothers, nurses, accountants, managers, school bus drivers, and any imaginable profession. They are all united by their enthusiasm for riding motorcycles and the feeling of liberation that it brings. If you are a woman, and you have your own motorcycle, then you are welcome.
6 The Sister-Hood Bond Is Just As Important As It Is In Male-Only Clubs
Riding together on long trips as a group creates a unique bond that has defined many male motorcycle clubs. This sense of affinity is also alive in female motorcycle clubs. These clubs provide a heaven for women to enjoy the company of like-minded bike enthusiasts and a family that can also help out in other non-bike related issues.
5 Members Are Very Capable Of Fixing Their Bikes
Guess what, women are very capable mechanics. The MIC survey showed that many female bikers prefer to either maintain their bikes themselves or get help from a friend. This is because mechanics tend to charge female bikers more than they charge their male counterparts. Shame on them. They are also safety conscious. 60% of female motorcyclists have completed a safety course.
4 Cruisers And Scooters Are Preferred Because They Are More Suitable For Women
Women are generally not as tall or as big as men. It makes sense that many female bikers prefer bikes that have a lower ride height which is more suitable for women. It’s no surprise that 34% of the bikes owned by women are Cruisers, and 33% are Scooters. These bikes have the ideal seat height for women, and their popularity with female bikers is set to continue.
3 They Engage In Many Charitable Activities
Motorcycle clubs do a lot of charity work and female motorcycle clubs are no exception. They hold rallies to raise funds for charitable causes, feed the homeless, award scholarships, and volunteer to help out in community events. Members ride together a lot, but they spend just as much time doing charity work.
2 They Actively Participate In Races And Parades
Female motorcycle clubs are a big part of their communities. They participate in showings and parades where members ride in full club colors. They also hold annual conventions and races, just like their male counterparts. For example, the Motor Maids always holds its convention in July and this year’s convention will hold on July 7 in Rapid City, South Dakota.
1 The Motorcycle Industry Has Been Highly Supportive
The rise of female bikers has been noticed by motorcycle manufacturers and many of them are adapting. Marketing strategies are being adapted to focus on female buyers, and new motorcycle models that are more suitable for women are entering the market. The motorcycle industry has been slowing down for a while and female bikers may just save it.
Sources: Autoaccident, Women Riders Now, The New York Times, The Things, UsaToday