By: Laurie Montoya
Every year on the first Saturday of May, women motorcycle riders from all over the world come together to celebrate International Female Ride Day. This annual event, founded by motorcycling enthusiast Vicki Gray, aims to empower, and inspire women riders and encourage more women to take up motorcycling.
International Female Ride Day brings together women of all ages and backgrounds who share a passion for motorcycles. It is a day to celebrate the freedom and independence that comes with riding, as well as the camaraderie and support of the global community of women riders.
The event is not only a celebration but also a platform to raise awareness of women in motorcycling and promote gender equality in the sport. Women riders have long faced stereotypes and discrimination in the male-dominated world of motorcycling.
One of the key messages of IFRD is that women can now buy their own bikes and own their own homes. Gone are the days when motorcycling was seen as a male dominated activity. Women are now taking charge and making their mark in the riding world, 
proving that they can ride just as well as men.
The Motorcycle Industry Council stated that 19% of motorcycle owners (including riders and passengers) were female. That means 1 in 5 motorcycle owners are women.
That trend is even more pronounced among younger generations:
- 22% of Gen X motorcycle owners are women.
- 26% of Gen Y motorcycle owners are also women!
The growth of women riders is evident in the increasing number of female riders taking to the streets and highways. These women can be seen riding solo or in groups, embarking on long over-the-road rides and exploring new destinations. The powersports industry estimates that women are responsible for over $6 billion in industry sales. We are a force to be acknowledged and recognized.
IFRD is not just about riding motorcycles; it is about break barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting gender equality. It is about showing the world that women can do anything they set their minds to, including riding motorcycles.
So, this International Female Ride Day, let’s celebrate the fearless and adventurous spirit of women riders everywhere. Let’s support and encourage each other as we continue to ride, empower, and inspire.
Together, we can change the face of motorcycling and pave the way for future generations of female riders. Let’s REV our engines and ride into the future with confidence and determination.
