Cycling has traditionally been a pretty male-dominated sport. Whether it’s the Tour de France or local group rides, men have been at the center. While women and non-binary riders are allowed in male dominated spaces, we haven’t always felt welcome there. That’s why I’m so excited to turn the spotlight on the growing number of queer bike clubs that are working to make cycling more welcoming and inclusive for queer, non-binary, and femme-identified riders!
Being a woman or nonbinary rider in a male cycling group often means facing pressure to keep up or be left behind. Or being given unsolicited advice on bike gear or riding technique by someone who assumes you must be less experienced due to your gender. While there are supportive male allies in cycling groups, the overall vibe is often competitive.
The new wave of bike clubs celebrate diversity and cultivate supportive environments tailored to the needs of queer, trans, non-binary and femme cyclists.
And they are grounded in a supportive and inclusive, all levels welcome framework.
Group rides are frequently no dropโโ going at the pace of the slowest rider, with no pressure to speed up. And many offer gear lending libraries and skills workshops to build comfort and confidence among newer riders.
Back in my employee days, I often commuted to work by bike.
Sustainability wasn’t my motive. In the cities where I lied, public transit didn’t run all night. My bike was the cheapest way to make a 5 am bakery shift on time.
I grew to love the dark, quiet streets before dawn, when I was the only one on the road. Exiting work after a double shift, biking home was a nice way to transition from work to personal time. Biking through downtown streets to my neighborhood, I felt free and happy in my body.
For my, cycling was a personal hobby. There were days I thought about joining the group rides put on by now-defunct Critical Mass. But I never showed up. I’m not sure if it was the trick bikes, costumes or mostly-male energy, but the bike club never felt like a place for me.
The rise in queer bike clubs thrills me for precisely this reason.
By centering the experiences of historically marginalized groups within cycling, queer bike clubs like these empower more people to feel comfortable being their full, authentic selves while riding with others. Their mission is to not only increase representation on roads and trails, but to build communities of camaraderie, mentorship and activism within the broader cycling culture.
And if I still lived in a city, you might catch me (finally) joining in!
1. OutCycling
New York City-based OutCycling hosts LGBTQ+ rides from April to October, when East Coast weather is mild enough to ride outside. They put on an annual Pride ride, with routes of varying lengths to accommodate all riders.
The New York queer bike club wants cycling to be accessible to all, regardless of skill. To live out their mission and do good in their community, they host a 10-week cycling program for queer youth.
Open to queer youth ages 16 to 25, the “Fearless Flyers” program goes beyond bicycle skills and communal exercise.
Participants learn about the connection between mental and physical wellness. They’re taught about goal setting, healthy habits and peer accountably.
Everyone who takes part get a FREE bike, helmet, bike light and bike lock โโ which makes the program affordable to those who might not otherwise be able to take part.
While free bike gear is incredible, fostering leadership skills, community connection and a sense of pride that directly connects to their queer identity is even more valuable.
2. Radical Adventure Riders
Formed by a group of adventure cyclists with the goal of fostering diversity, Radical Adventure Riders has established chapters across the US.
RAR made our list of amazing outdoor groups for queer and trans people of color for their scholarships that get bicycles, equipment, and other gear to BIPOC femmes.
The organization facilitates group rides, maintains gear libraries, and organizes educational and skill-building events.
3. Wild Wolf Cycling Collective
LA-based Wild Wolf Cycling Collective creates a space where women and gender-expansive riders are centered. Wild Wolf was founded by Laila, a Persian-Mexican bicycle safety instructor and passionate bike commuter.
The LA queer bike club hosts monthly bike campouts and social rides throughout LA County. Their rides are BIPOC and LGBTQIA-led and center the voices and needs of those who continue to be marginalized within the outdoor industry.
Last year, Wild Wolf offered eight bike campouts. Over 125 riders participated, many trying bike camping for the first time. To encourage newbie participation and make bike camping more affordable, Wild Wolf runs a gear library, with priority given to BIPOC and LGBTQIA people.
Learn more about their gear library at their website, and follow them on Instagram for the latest rides!
4. Gender Expansive Ride (GXR)
Also in Los Angeles is Gender Expansive Ride (GXR). Part of the LA County bike group Trash Panda Cycling, Gender Expansive Ride takes place the first and third Friday of the month.
While they’ve gotten some pushback about their “no cis men” policy, GXR holds space for riders who don’t always feel welcome or safe in male-dominated spaces, carving out much-needed space for the rest of us.
GXR is open to riders of all levels. Their rides are at a relaxed pace โโ no cyclist left behind. Rides meet at 7:30, roll out at 8 and end at a food place with vegan options. Check their Instagram for full details.
5. Queer Bike Club Toronto
Created by queer riders for queer riders, Queer Bike Club Toronto runs biweekly group rides in the Toronto area. Rides are open to all levels and are “no drop” โโ the group will keep pace with the slowest rider.
The group commits to welcoming all bodies, without hierarchies and judgment.
Queer Bike Club Toronto values dispersed leadership and regularly sends call outs for routes, events and other ideas. Participants have the option to lead their ride if it’s chosen, which is a fun opportunity to build leadership skills. In addition to regular rides, they also promote bike education, bike safety, and bike-related film screenings.
6. Queer Bike Club Ottawa
Queer Bike Club Ottawa started in 2023 as a social club for queer riders. They hosted 10 all levels rides in their first year, and they’re looking forward to an incredible second season.
While some of these queer bike clubs aren’t open to cis men, Queer Bike Club Ottawa doesn’t exclude anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA from taking part.
Queer Bike Club Ottawa is currently paused due to winter, but watch their Instagram for upcoming spring rides.
7. RIDE Group
Elite cyclist and trans rights activist Molly Cameron founded RIDE Group, which stands for Riders Inspiring Diversity & Equality, in 2021.
RIDE is a bit different from the other organizations listed here. You won’t find queer bike rides. Instead, the group exists to help progressive bike shop owners and industry professionals learn about and from LGBTQIA people, increasing representation and access.
Outdoor industries need a trusted point of contact to help them chart a path toward inclusion.
Businesses and business owners need to understand what’s missingโโthe ways in which marginalized individuals don’t always feel safe, welcome or seen.
They need help to design the missing pieces of a supportive infrastructure that is respectful of our differences. And they need a trusted partner who can hold them accountable.
RIDE Group acts as the bridge between queer bike clubs and the biking industry, and we are so lucky to have them!
With so many inclusive cycling clubs cropping up across the country, queer, trans, non-binary and femme cyclists have more options than ever before to find their riding crew. As the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to get out on two wheels and connect with these supportive groups.
Whether it’s a casual ride around town, an adventurous bike camping weekend, or a skillshare that increases confidence, joining a club tailored to LGBTQ+ and femme cyclists provides the opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded people. More than just exercise buddies, these clubs foster deeper camaraderie, allyship, and empowerment both on and off the bike. So dust off your ride, connect with a local group, and get ready to pedal into a new season with an inclusive crew that will have your back mile after mile!
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