Female Cyclists Deserve Respect—and Safety on the Road

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Real Stories from the Road: This blog isn’t written by a brand or influencer — it’s written by a real cyclist who's been riding for 50+ years. What you're about to read is personal, honest, and might just stay with you the next time you see someone riding alone. See more true cycling stories →

Close-up of a smiling woman with bright blue eyes, freckles, and a white bicycle helmet, wearing a blue cycling jersey.

Female Cyclists Deserve Respect—and Safety

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

There’s a certain freedom that comes with riding a bicycle. The wind, the rhythm, the open road. But for many female cyclists, that freedom comes with a layer of fear and tension most men never feel — and I wouldn’t fully understand it myself if it weren’t for my daughter.

She’s an ultra-distance runner. She’s been on the bike plenty too. And almost every time we talk about her rides or runs, she shares something new — catcalls, honking, dangerous passes, cars swerving too close, people yelling out windows. Rude. Classless. Unsafe. And it’s not just one bad moment. It’s constant.

I can say, honestly, I’ve never been treated remotely as badly. Not once. Not in decades of riding. And that makes me angry — because she deserves to ride without fear just as much as I do. That’s what this post is about. Not just awareness, but basic respect.

🚴 A Moment That Stuck with Me

On one ride, I was pedaling through a long, empty stretch of Texas road when I came up behind a woman cycling solo. She looked strong, steady, and prepared — high-vis jersey, bright rear light, predictable riding line. I called out “on your left,” and she nodded but didn’t smile. Her eyes flicked quickly: to the shoulder, the road behind me, the truck coming from the opposite lane.

She looked... tense. Alert. Guarded. And it hit me: this wasn’t just a nice ride for her. This was a defensive ride. And the more I thought about it, the more I heard my daughter’s voice in my head — telling me the same kind of stories, over and over again.

🧭 It's a Different Road for Women

  • Harassment: Catcalls, whistles, vulgar comments — sadly common.
  • Intimidation: Cars buzzing too close, people yelling out windows.
  • Judgment: For what they wear, how fast they go, or simply existing on the road.

Some men have no idea. I didn’t either — until I started paying attention. And listening.

🚗 What Drivers (and Other Cyclists) Can Do

  • Give at least 3 feet when passing. More is better.
  • Don’t honk or yell — even if it’s meant as encouragement.
  • Understand that every woman riding solo has a reason to be cautious. Respect that.
  • If you're a cyclist too — be an ally. Support safer roads for everyone, not just people who look like you.
🚴 Gear That Helps Female Cyclists Stay Safer:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Every click helps keep the blog rolling — literally.

👨‍👧 Why This Matters to Me

It’s one thing to say “be safe out there.” It’s another to know someone you love is out there every day — running roads, riding solo, dealing with nonsense she never invited. I wouldn’t let someone treat my daughter that way in person. So I sure won’t stay quiet when it happens from behind the wheel or behind a keyboard.

This post isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about being decent. If you drive, give cyclists room. If you ride, support those who don’t feel as safe as you do. And if you’ve never thought about what it feels like to ride alone as a woman — maybe now you will.

📌 Did this resonate with you?
Pin this post to help raise awareness — and to remind others that respect starts with understanding.



For more on safety and visibility, read my post: Top Cycling Visibility Tips for Riding in Traffic or Low Light.

🚴 Gear I Personally Use

  • Renpho Smart Scale
    Lost 17 lbs since buying — motivating and full of great info.
    👉 See the One I Have
  • Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet
    My most important piece of gear — a must-have for every ride.
    👉 Lots of Colors
  • Outdoor Cooling Arm Sleeves
    I wear these every ride to protect my skin from cancer.
    👉 Check Price
  • Cosmos Cooling Leg Sleeves
    I had cancer cut off my leg — I refuse to have more problems and wear these now.
    👉 See Them
  • Przewalski Bib Shorts
    I have multiple pairs — more comfortable and last longer.
    👉 See Them
  • Premier Protein Shakes
    I drink one after every ride — low sugar, high protein.
    👉 Amazon Price

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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