Fortunately, the tides are turning, and a growing number of bike shops and cycling collectives are working to change that by fostering inclusive spaces that empower women. From maintenance courses to community rides, these businesses are proving that cycling is indeed for everyone. As we stand on the cusp of Women’s History Month, we are delighted to share some of the local shops leading the way and offer up some inspiration for how you can get involved.
North Cotswold Cycling Club & Cotswold Cycles (Gloucestershire, UK)
Based in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswold Cycles and the North Cotswold Cycling Club (NCCC) have taken meaningful steps to make cycling more accessible to women. Their ‘Couch to 50K’ program, now in its second year, is a structured training program that gradually builds up participants’ cycling skills and endurance, helping more women build confidence on the bike. Thanks to their efforts, female membership in the club has increased by 33% in the past year. The shop also offers bike maintenance courses and mechanical support for women’s rides, ensuring that women feel welcomed and valued at every level of the cycling community.
Chevin Cycles (Otley, UK)
Saddle discomfort is a common issue for female cyclists, and Chevin Cycles is tackling it head-on with their ‘Bums on Seats’ initiative. Led by a female bike fitter, this educational evening event focuses on preventing saddle soreness and ensuring women have the knowledge and support they need to ride comfortably and confidently.
LIOS Bikes (Lee-on-the-Solent, UK)
LIOS Bikes is a strong advocate for women in cycling, championing inclusivity in recreational and competitive cycling. They emphasise that bike fitting and riding should be accessible to all abilities and actively support female cyclists through their ambassador program. Their sponsored female riders have triumphed in events like Ironman and Long Course Weekend, proving that women can excel at every level of the sport.
Women in Tandem (Nottingham, UK)
This Nottingham-based women-led bike collective is all about empowerment and accessibility. Women in Tandem offers free group rides and maintenance courses, helping women gain confidence on their bikes and mechanical skills. Their open workshops provide hands-on experience fixing common bike issues, with free supplies like brake pads and cables. One rider summed up their impact perfectly: “I did not ride a bike before I found this community…now I’m training for my first Audax!”
Community Cycles & GEM Night (Boulder, Colorado, USA)
Community Cycles is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse cycling community. Their monthly Gender Equality Mechanics (GEM) Night provides a welcoming space for marginalised gender groups to learn bike maintenance skills in a supportive environment. The initiative prioritises creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere where ciswomen, trans individuals, and non-binary people can build confidence in their technical abilities.
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Momentum Cycles (Brentwood, UK)
Momentum Cycles is led by Sylva, a passionate advocate for women in cycling. She understands firsthand what it’s like to navigate a male-dominated sport and industry, making her shop a welcoming haven for female cyclists. The shop fosters a strong sense of community and ensures women feel supported in their cycling journey.
Bridgtown Cycles (Cannock, UK)
Bridgtown Cycles is home to a top-tier bike fitting service, including crucial saddle-fitting options for women. One of their standout team members, Lynne Biddulph, is a multiple Masters World Champion and an advocate for female cyclists. The shop also supports a women’s race team, Born to Bike RT, which has a strong presence across multiple disciplines, including para-cycling.
BFF Bikes (Chicago, USA)
One of the few women-owned bike shops in the U.S., BFF Bikes was founded by two women who bonded over their love of racing. They go beyond simply selling women-friendly gear—they organise rides, clinics, and classes to help women feel welcome and empowered in the sport. Their inclusive, positive atmosphere has cultivated a loyal community, whether customers are just starting out or competing at the highest levels. BFF Bikes also sponsors a women’s race team, further promoting female participation in competitive cycling.
How you can get involved
If you’re inspired by these initiatives and want to support women in cycling, here are some ways to take action. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the cycling community.
Attend or organise a women’s ride: Check out local bike shops for women-led group rides or start one yourself.
Take a maintenance course: Many shops offer women-specific workshops—if none exist in your area, consider requesting one.
Support women-owned bike shops: Seek out and shop at women-led businesses to help create a more inclusive cycling industry.
Encourage female mechanics and bike fitters: If you know a woman interested in cycling mechanics, let them know about training opportunities.
Spread the word: Share information about these initiatives to help more women find welcoming spaces in cycling.
Building a more inclusive cycling community
The cycling world is changing for the better, thanks to the efforts of these incredible bike shops and collectives. By creating welcoming spaces, providing essential education, and fostering community, they are making it easier for women to thrive in cycling. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, you deserve to feel supported and included. By joining rides, attending workshops, or simply encouraging others, you can be part of the movement, making cycling more inclusive for everyone.
We heard from many UK cyclists while putting this list together, but we’d love to hear from you! Do you have a local bike shop that goes above and beyond for women’s cycling? Or has this list inspired you to approach a shop in your area and start your own women’s event or workshop? Let us know—we are always looking to support more initiatives paving the way for future generations of cyclists!
