IWD and Beyond: What You Can Actually Do
Yesterday was International Women’s Day. And while we love the celebration, we are also done with the platitudes. We don't need more virtue signalling; we need more people on bikes.
This year’s theme was #GiveToGain. It’s a reminder that when we give our resources, like time, knowledge, and visibility, we all gain a stronger, faster, and more vibrant cycling community.
It is time to enable the women in your life to discover the magic of cycling. Not by "going easy" on them, but by facilitating the space they need to ride.
Here are 5 simple, actionable ways you can make that happen this year.
1. Give Them Time, Not Another Naff Jersey
Studies consistently show that women have less "leisure time" than men due to the uneven distribution of domestic loads.
The Barrier: It’s hard to train for an ultra or join a Sunday social ride when you are managing the household schedule.
The Fix: The best gift isn't a new jersey; it's time. Offer to handle the school run, the dog walk, or the weekly food shop specifically so she can go for a long ride without a deadline.
2. Give The Tool, Don’t Take It
If a woman has a mechanical, don't say "here, let me fix that" and take the bike out of her hands.
The Barrier: Taking the bike away is gatekeeping. It assumes ignorance and prevents learning.
The Fix: Ask if she wants to use your tools. If she needs help, offer verbal assistance while she does the work. Knowledge is power, independence, and confidence.
3. Give The Visibility
Algorithm bias is real. If we want a future where women's cycling is sustainable, we have to prove the market value.
The Barrier: Lower viewing figures lead to lower sponsorship and lower pay for female pros.
The Fix: Engage with women’s cycling content. Watch the races (The Tour de France Femmes is Aug 1–9 this year!). Follow female mechanics and frame builders. When you give your attention to women's sports, you help build the industry.
4. Get The Shot
Too often, women become the designated photographers of the group, meaning they rarely get cool shots of themselves.
The Barrier: It’s hard to build a visual archive of your own success when you are always behind the lens.
The Fix: Shoot out in front (less bums, more faces). Take the photo of her looking strong, fast, and in her element. Help her see herself as the athlete she is.
5. Give The Gift of Good Kit
Bad gear is a motivation killer, and women-specific kit is often harder to find second-hand.
The Barrier: Trying to enjoy a winter ride in subpar gear is miserable and discouraging.
The Fix: If you have premium accessories—lights, bags, computers—that you aren't using, pass them on. High-quality gear removes friction and makes the ride experience 100% better.
So let’s keep all this good stuff going beyond International Women’s Day. Start today, and keep it rolling. Need the short version to share? Check out the IG post here.
Now, go ride.