Occasional races with a good mix of experienced and novice racers will also help women to gain confidence in their abilities and encourage future participation. Once fitness and skill is gained on the bike, most will find that they aren't as slow or scared as they thought they were, and will be more likely to join races in the future.
Bond Passionate Women Together
There has recently been a lot of discussion concerning participation and equality in women's cycling among the professional peloton. In fact, the Women's Cycling Association (WCA) is a newly formed organization designed to address these exact matters. This group of professional women cyclists from different disciplines have planned several women-related initiatives to begin building the sport. A membership drive, a grassroots program for youth and a minimum-working wage for women professional cyclists are just a few of the topics on their agenda.
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National organizations such as the WCA are what is needed to attract more attention to women's cycling. Females have proven to be incredibly talented athletes in their own right and deserve more media coverage. Unfortunately, it works both ways. Women's cycling needs more well-known professional races (a women's Tour de France?) in order to increase the sports popularity among the female gender.
On the other hand, networks and organizers need a reason to build such a race. There has to be more interest and active participation among all levels of female cyclists to generate the kind of revenue necessary to make it work. In order for the sport to grow, you have to start from the ground up.
Change Local Communities
We can all do our part in our own communities. Local changes can have a huge national impact. This is where it starts. Make an effort in your own community. You may have a profound impact on a girl that has a lasting significance. Who knows, that little girl may just be the next Evelyn Stevens!
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