There’s something pretty special about riding a bike through your city. It’s movement, freedom, a chance to clear your head, or fill it with whatever the wind brings in.
But for many women, stepping into the cycling world isn’t always that smooth. The gear shops, the group rides, the pace lines—they can all feel like spaces designed for someone else. Someone faster. Someone louder. Someone male.
That’s where women’s cycling clubs come in. Not just as social groups, but as real, reliable entry points into a world that’s long needed a shift. These clubs don’t just make space—they fill it with encouragement, community, skill-building, and visibility.
Let’s take a ride through some of the most impactful women’s cycling clubs across the U.S.
New York City – WE Bike NYC
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You’ll see them around Queens, Manhattan, even out on Roosevelt Island. WE Bike NYC is built on something stronger than speed—it’s rooted in community, collective leadership, and pure empowerment.
Founded by Liz Jose, the club grew from a need for safe, supportive cycling spaces for women and gender-nonconforming riders in a city that isn’t always gentle on two wheels.
What They Do
- Group rides across boroughs
- Bike repair workshops like fix-a-flat
- Field trips to local bike-related destinations (think velodromes, frame builders)
- The iconic “WE Bike to DC” ride—260 miles to the National Bike Summit
Who It’s For
Any woman-identifying, trans, or gender-nonconforming person who wants to ride—whether it’s their first time on city streets or they’ve been commuting for years. They even run Mujeres en Movimiento, a program dedicated to Spanish-speaking women riders.
How to Join
They’re active on Instagram, and you can sign up for rides and events through their website. No intimidating process—just people who want you to feel welcome.
Why It Matters
In a city where enforcement policies can often feel like barriers, WE Bike NYC is a counterbalance. It’s proof that cycling is for everyone, not just the confident or experienced.
Other NYC Standouts
- Black Girls Do Bike NYC – Building space for Black women and girls in the saddle
- Get Women Cycling – Helping women access bikes, gear, and support
- Bicycle Habitat Women’s Cycling – Offering everything from mellow road rides to mountain bike days
Los Angeles – Girlz Gone Riding (GGR)
Out west, mountain biking is the soul of the scene—and Girlz Gone Riding owns that terrain. Co-founded in 2012 by Wendy Engelberg and Kimberly Cofield, GGR grew from 85 members to more than 4,000 across California and Arizona. That’s not just growth—it’s movement-building.
Where They Ride
- Cross-country loops
- Downhill runs
- Big Bear, LA, San Diego, and beyond
Signature Events
- The Rocktober Festival: Clinics, raffles, and tons of stoke
- Women’s MTB weekends: No-drop rides, skill-building, and solid vibes
How to Get Involved
GGR keeps things approachable. No registration fees for many events, and most coordination happens through their active Facebook groups.
Why It’s Powerful
They’ve worked with brands like Specialized and SheBeest to improve women’s gear. That kind of grassroots influence is rare—and it’s changing the face of mountain biking.
Also in LA
- Black Girls Do Bike Los Angeles – Supporting community rides and representation
- Wild Wolf Cycling Collective – A social-forward, women-focused ride community
Chicago – Women Bike Chicago
Chicago isn’t short on cyclists, but the support systems haven’t always matched the diversity of riders. Women Bike Chicago stepped up with a mission to educate and empower through rides, resources, and events that meet women where they are.
What They Offer
- Workshops on safety and maintenance
- Rides across city neighborhoods
- Community education and event support
Who They Serve
Any woman looking to make cycling part of her daily life—whether that means commuting to work or riding trails for fun.
Behind the Scenes
Donations go directly to hosting events, paying instructors, and keeping things inclusive. They also make a point to lift up local bike shops and community groups.
Where to Find Them
They have a solid presence online. If you’re in the area, the website is the best place to start.
More Chicago-Based Groups Worth Knowing
- Femmes + Themmes – Safe space for femme, trans, and non-binary cyclists
- Chicago Women’s Elite Cycling – Focused on high-level racing and development
- Black Girls Do Bike Chicago – Pushing representation with group rides and events
San Francisco – Velo Girls
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Velo Girls has been around since 2002, and they’ve made every year count. What started as a local effort became a standout presence in women’s cycling across Northern California.
What to Expect
- Midweek Madness road rides
- Mountain, gravel, and cyclocross sessions
- Clinics and race coaching
- A culture of both fun and performance
Age and Skill Range
You’ll find teens, 60-somethings, and everyone in between. Whether it’s your first time in a group ride or you’re chasing a national title, Velo Girls is ready for you.
How They Roll
Most events are listed on Meetup, and rides are tracked on Strava. It’s organized, but never stiff.
What Makes Them Stand Out
They’re one of the few clubs that balances competition and casual riding without leaning too hard either way. And they’ve put real work into bringing more women into racing—some of their members have gone on to become national champions.
Other Bay Area Leaders
- Black Girls Do Bike SF Bay Area – Lifting up women of color through riding
- Radical Adventure Riders Bay Area – Building community beyond the binary
Philadelphia – Sturdy Girl Cycling
With a name like Sturdy Girl Cycling, you kind of know you’re in for something fun. Founded in 2003 by Dana Hanchin and Sally Poliwoda, the club’s mission is all about helping women ride strong, feel good, and stick with it.
Regular Activities
- Weekly rides year-round
- Clinics for group riding and maintenance
- Events like Thursday Evening Training Crits
- Social gatherings and skill workshops
Welcoming Culture
They meet you where you are—whether that’s barely out of training wheels or ready to race crits.
Membership Details
They offer a free 60-day trial. After that, there are a few options for joining depending on how involved you want to be.
How They’ve Grown
What began as one small ride has turned into a force in Philly’s cycling culture. They were even profiled in a 2016 Spinlister article as an example of what strong female-led clubs can look like.
More Philly Options
- Pedal Posse Divas – Another fun, women-focused ride group
- Black Women Bike PHL – Connecting Black women through movement and visibility
- Radical Adventure Riders Philly – A hub for inclusive outdoor experiences
More Cities, Same Energy
Houston
- Houston Ladies Cycling Club – Known for mixing fitness, friendship, and self-care
- Black Girls Do Bike Houston – Regular rides and a strong local network
Phoenix
- Black Girls Do Bike Phoenix
- The Ladies Group – For newer riders and those building confidence
Seattle
- Cascade Bicycle Club Women’s Program – Organized rides, skills clinics, and a big annual presence
Final Thoughts
The road isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s hilly. Sometimes the headwinds make you curse a little. But with the right people around you, it becomes less about the grind and more about the ride. Women’s cycling clubs aren’t just about spinning pedals—they’re about movement in every sense.
If you’re curious about getting started, look up one of the clubs above. Show up to a beginner ride. Ask questions. Hang back or lead the pack—it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re there.
Whether you’re in New York or Phoenix, San Francisco or Philly, there’s probably a ride waiting for you. And someone to say, Hey, glad you made it.
