Wisconsin Bike Fed seeking strong female "Roll Models"

Elena Montanye, photos by Jesse Johnson |

Women make up 55% of all cycling trips in the Netherlands and 49% in Germany. But the U.S.? Statistics show that only 24% of cycling trips in the states are made by the ladies. What’s that all about?

Now that the weather is perfect for some outdoor adventures, many of you are probably planning to dust off your bicycles – if you haven’t already. The Wisconsin Bike Federation recently published a post  specifically calling for women to pull out their bikes this summer. According to the organization, the U.S. is seriously lacking in the number of cycling trips made by women. In fact, they stated that women make up 55% of all cycling trips in the Netherlands and 49% in Germany. But the U.S.? Statistics show that only 24% of cycling trips in the states are made by the ladies, and men are a whopping three times more likely to commute to work. What’s that all about?

The Wisconsin Bike Fed pointed out that biking has a plethora of awesome benefits, including impacting Wisconsin’s economy by making bike-related purchases, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles, saving money, and increasing the vitality of Wisconsin neighborhoods. For these reasons and more, the organization is launching a Women & Bicycles Roll Model Program that will enlist women to be “Roll Models” in their community and inspire other women to take a ride on their trusty two-wheeled steed.

Several Wisconsin women have already signed on to be Roll Models. Will you be next? Check out the Bike Fed's post for more information.