5 Facts About Women Riders
1. Ownership Rides on a 10-year High
Women own more motorcycles today than they did 10 years ago. According to the website WomenRidesNow.com, a popular online resource for women motorcycle riders, women who own motorcycles has increased by 50 percent over the past 10 years. As of 2014, the total estimated number of women who own at least one motorcycle is an impressive 14 percent. Furthermore, a recent survey conducted by the same website indicates 60 percent of women motorcycle owners overwhelmingly prefer to own a cruiser-style motorcycle over any other kind that is currently on the market today.
2. Whether Passenger or Owner, Women Enjoy Motorcycles
It is pretty impressive to think that of anyone who will mount a motorcycle at any point — whether as a passenger or as a rider — a quarter (25%) will be women. A percentage this significant should be of great importance to the billion dollar motorcycle industry, and for a number of reasons. First, it means women are not just riding on the backs of motorcycles anymore; as the previous slide confirms, they are also riding and buying them. Second, it means women are influencing motorcycle purchases in a real way. Third, it means motorcycle ownership is not just for men. Therefore, motorcycle manufacturers will need to consider ways to further maximize dollars from consumers who buy motorcycles and motorcycle accessories to meet the needs of women riders.
3. A Generation of Riders
According to Revzilla.com, "About 17 percent of riders in both the Gen X and Gen Y segments are women." Now consider the percentage of riders in the Boomer segment, which, according to the same website, is just under 10 percent (around nine percent to be exact). Clearly, the Gen X and Gen Y segments take the lead when it comes to women riders. But the Boomer segment is surely picking up speed (pun intended).
4. Median Age
When it comes to women motorcycle riders, it looks like the median age is 39, a number much lower than the median age for men, which, according to Revzilla.com, is relatively high at 48. It looks like female riders are getting on the bike earlier than men, and this trend shows no signs of stopping or changing.
5. Safety First
Women are more likely than men to complete a safety course. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, an impressive 60 percent of female riders have completed a safety course versus 42 percent of their male counterparts who have not. This statistic indicates female riders are not only learning the fundamentals of bike training, but also getting the structured safe rider instruction that can lead to increased safety all-around, including that for other riders and motorists on the road. Bravo, female riders!
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