The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Female cyclists are a force. They’re strong, determined, and inspiring. But along with the physical challenges of riding, many women face something they never signed up for: harassment. From rude comments to aggressive behavior, female cyclists often have to deal with unwanted attention from men while simply doing what they love—riding their bikes. This behavior is not only disrespectful, it's dangerous. No one should feel unsafe or intimidated for being on the road. Sadly, some women give up cycling altogether because of it. That needs to change. Staying Safe While Riding While we work toward a world where harassment is no longer an issue, there are steps female cyclists can take to protect themselves and ride with more confidence. 1. Know Your Right to Be There You belong on the road as much as anyone else. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. If someone harasses you, avoid engaging and focus on getting to a safer space—toward other people, a business, or well-traff...

I remember a ride I took through the park one afternoon—not for the distance or the weather, but for the conversation I had with a woman who joined me for a stretch. What she shared stuck with me, and I think it’s worth passing along. As we pedaled side by side, she told me about a time when she was out riding alone and a group of young men on bikes started catcalling her. “I felt like one of those angry cartoon characters,” she laughed, “steam coming out of my ears.” But behind the humor was something deeper—she described how moments like that made her feel small, self-conscious, and embarrassed. And yet, instead of letting it define her, she made a choice. She said, “I’ve learned not to let that kind of negativity get to me. People who go out of their way to put others down are usually dealing with their own insecurities.” That hit home. Like her, I’ve been on the receiving end of harassment while cycling. It’s frustrating, even infuriating. But hearing her talk about how she rec...