Supervisor Jane Kim and other women biking on Bike to Work Day
SAN FRANCISCO — In honor of Women’s History Month, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is stepping up efforts to welcome more women to enjoy the benefits of bicycling.
Currently, women make up 33% of the growing number of people bicycling in San Francisco, according to the 2011 SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Bicycle Study Report. And as bicycling continues to boom in San Francisco, that number is growing every day.
During the month of March, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition will be hosting two women-only bicycle education classes, as well as on-road family biking classes, and a group bike ride showcasing the rich history of women and bicycling.
“We’re excited to welcome even more women to discover the joy and convenience of biking. Ten years ago, I know I felt somewhat lonely as there were far fewer women biking on our streets, which felt far less inviting. Today, one in every three bike riders is a woman and we expect that number to grow as our streets are more accommodating and calm,” said Leah Shahum, Executive Director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, and a presenter at this year’s National Women’s Bicycling Forum in Washington D.C. in early March.
Bicycle Education Classes:
The SF Bicycle Coalition will be leading two women-only bicycle education classes this month to teach participants the rules of the road, how to choose the best bike, lock it safely, and find the best routes to work and around the city. Classes are free and reservations are required for the following:
- Traffic Skills 101-1: Sunday, March 24, Richmond Police Station (461 6th Avenue), 10AM-2PM.
- Intro to Safe Biking: Wednesday, March 27, St Luke’s Hospital, Griffin Room (Cesar Chavez and Valencia streets), 6-7PM.
In 2012, women accounted for 62% of participants in the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s ongoing bicycle education classes, and 75% of their Adult Learn to Ride classes.
Women’s History Bike Ride:
Susan B. Anthony once said that the bicycle “has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world.” Come learn more about how the bicycle played a revolutionary role in the suffrage movement on our women’s history ride. Learn about the Ordinary and the Safety, the Rational Dress Society and amazing women who pioneered cycling on this casual ride led by SF Bicycle Coalition staff. The ride is free for SF Bicycle Coalition members, $5 for nonmembers. Saturday, March 23. Meet at SF Bicycle Coalition office (833 Market St) at 1PM. RSVP at sfbike.org/chain.
Family Biking Classes:
More and more women are discovering how great it is to bike with their kids in San Francisco — to school, the park, and around town. On Saturday, March 23, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition will be leading a free Family Ride from the playground in the Panhandle to the playground in Golden Gate Park, preparing families and kids for the upcoming Bike to School Week, April 22-26. Ride meets at Panhandle playground on Masonic and Fell at 9Am.
To learn more about the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s ongoing safety and education work, visit sfbike.org/edu. For information on our Family Biking outreach, including the Family Biking Guide, visit sfbike.org/family.
