More women choosing to ride motorbikes
Motorcycling is a very inclusive club, with a real sense of community spirit, and we’re delighted to hear that more women are now riding motorbikes.
An interesting piece on BBC Woman’s Hour was brought to our attention and we eagerly tuned in on BBC Sounds.
According to Woman’s Hour, membership of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association, which is well represented in Britain alongside the British Motorcyclists Federation, has risen by 50% over the past two years.
As well as riders, there are more female instructors at all levels of motorcycling which is also helping to encourage more women to ride motorbikes and obtain a full licence.
Dedicated social media groups have also played a part in the growth and act as a support network for riders.
We have many female customers. We’re increasingly selling bikes to them and we stock protective clothing specifically designed for women.
Our partners at Suffolk Rider Training and Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM) are also seeing more women turning to two wheels and going on to do their advanced test.
Orwell Motorcycles director Dave Willis said: “It’s often a wrong perception that men ride motorbikes and women don’t.
“But there are more groups encouraging women riders and for women riders.”
We’ve seen more women buying bikes from us – you only have to look at our social media feeds where we feature bike handovers.
Another reason is more high-profile female riders taking part in, or presenting, sport such as British Superbike Championship racer Jenny Tinmouth and Maria Costello, the first solo woman rider on the podium in a TT race or Manx GP. She is now an ambassador for the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Clive Lockwood, a director of Suffolk Rider Training in Ipswich said: “There’s definitely an upturn in ladies taking up riding. About 30% of all our students are now ladies, from 16 right up to 72 years old.
“A lot of them are fed up riding on the back of their husband’s or boyfriend’s bike, or they’re independent and just want to learn to ride a motorbike.”
Suffolk Rider Training currently has one woman instructor but would like to recruit more.
Glyn Hill, chairman of SAM said that of the 32 new members who signed up in 2021, just two were women. So far this year, women accounted for 10 of the 56 new members.
“There’s definitely been an increase in women,” he said.
He said there were many reasons behind the rise in women riders, and those going on to do advanced training. He felt they included more women wanting to be independent and no longer wanting to drive a car which is getting more expensive.
Whatever your gender, feel free to contact our sales team about buying a new or used bike on 01473 257401 or email sales@orwell.co.uk
Or pop into our showroom where you can also check out our range of women’s jackets, trousers, gloves and boots.
Suffolk Rider Training is at Unit 17, Dales Road Business Centre, Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP. Phone 01473 463123, log on to www.suffolkridertraining.co.uk or email contact_irt@btconnect.com
Find out more about and how to contact Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists at suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com
Check out the British division of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association at www.wimagb.co.uk