If you’re a female cyclist living in or visiting Boulder, Colorado, you’re in luck. With its stunning scenery, numerous bike paths and trails, and strong cycling culture, Boulder offers a unique and exciting cycling experience. From scenic road rides to challenging mountain trails, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. But before you head out on your bike, there are a few things you should know to help ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. In this guide, we’ll share tips and advice specifically for female cyclists in Boulder, so you can get the most out of your cycling adventures in this amazing city.
Why Boulder is a Great Place to Cycle as a Woman
1. Women’s cycling community
Boulder has a strong and welcoming cycling community, with plenty of resources and support for women who want to get involved in cycling. Boulder has a thriving community of female cyclists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Groups offers a range of events, clinics, and training programs specifically designed for women cyclists, and is a great way to meet other women who share your passion for cycling.
A quick list of some of Boulder’s women’s cycling groups:
- Petunia Mafia: Petunia Mafia Cycling welcomes women road, gravel, and mountain bikers of all speeds to join our community!
- Boulder Divas: A club for athletic women who share a passion for cycling. The club provides a fun, supportive, and social environment for riding together, meeting new people, and doing more on your bike. While diverse in age, interests, and abilities, we share a love of adventure and challenge. We support improving bike skills and participating in all types of cycling. We believe in the friendships fostered on two wheels.
- Venus Bike Club: This non-competitive women’s cycling club is about sisterhood and supporting each other.
- Ride or Die Collective: We center, protect, and grow spaces for Women/Trans/Femme/Non-Binary riders in the cycling community. We empower them through education, development, and performance.
2. Bike-friendly infrastructure
Boulder has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, with an extensive network of bike paths and trails that make it easy and safe to get around on two wheels. The city has also implemented a number of traffic-calming measures to slow down cars and improve safety for cyclists, making it an ideal place to cycle for women who are just starting out or who may be nervous about sharing the road with cars.
3. Women’s-specific events and races
Boulder hosts a number of women’s-specific cycling events and races throughout the year, including the Venus de Miles ride, which is the largest women’s-only ride in Colorado. This event is designed to celebrate women’s cycling and raise money for local charities, and is a great opportunity to meet other women cyclists and challenge yourself on a beautiful ride through the Boulder countryside. For more bike events in Colorado, check out the Bicycle Colorado website.
4. Cycling-related businesses
Boulder has a thriving cycling industry, with a number of bike shops, cafes, and other businesses that cater to cyclists. Many of these businesses are women-owned or women-friendly, making them great places to shop for cycling gear or get advice on cycling-related topics. Some popular women-friendly bike shops in Boulder include Full Cycle, Vecchio’s Bicicletteria, and Pro Peloton Cyclery.
Tips for Cycling in Boulder as a Woman
1. Take advantage of the cycling infrastructure in Boulder, CO
Boulder’s extensive network of bike paths and trails make it easy and safe to get around on two wheels. Be sure to take advantage of these resources, and plan your routes ahead of time to ensure that you are staying on designated bike paths and trails.
2. Join a women’s cycling group in Boulder, CO
Boulder has a number of women’s-specific cycling groups and clubs, which are a great way to meet other women who share your passion for cycling. These groups offer a range of events and training programs, and can provide valuable support and advice as you work to improve your cycling skills.
3. Attend Boulder’s women’s-specific cycling events
Boulder hosts a number of women’s-only cycling events and races throughout the year. These events are a great way to challenge yourself and meet other women cyclists, and can provide a valuable source of motivation and inspiration as you work to improve your cycling.
4. Shop at women-friendly bike shops
Boulder has a number of women-friendly bike shops, which are great places to shop for cycling gear and get advice on cycling-related topics. Be sure to check out these businesses, and take advantage of their expertise and resources as you work to improve your cycling skills.
5. Practice safe cycling habits
Always wear a helmet and other protective gear when cycling, and follow the rules of the road. Be visible and predictable to other road users, and
always signal your intentions. Don’t listen to music or use your phone while cycling, as this can distract you and make it harder to be aware of your surroundings. Always stay alert and aware of potential hazards, such as potholes or other obstacles in the road. It’s also important to be aware of other cyclists and pedestrians on shared paths and trails, and to be courteous and respectful to all users of the road and trails.
Additionally, if you’re new to cycling or are unfamiliar with the area, consider taking a cycling safety course to learn more about safe cycling practices and rules of the road. The city of Boulder offers a number of resources for cyclists, including classes and workshops on bike safety and maintenance, as well as resources for planning cycling routes and finding bike-friendly businesses in the area.
By practicing safe cycling habits, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience in Boulder. Remember that safety should always be a top priority when cycling, and that by following these tips and guidelines, you can help make the roads and trails a safer place for all cyclists.
6. Join a Cycling Club or Meetup Group in Boulder, CO
Cycling clubs and meetup groups are a great way to meet other cyclists in Boulder, and there are many clubs and groups that cater to women specifically. Joining a club or group is a great way to find new cycling routes and explore the area with other women who share your passion for cycling.
7. Be Prepared for Changing Weather Conditions
Boulder can experience some extreme weather conditions, so it’s important to be prepared for anything when you head out for a ride. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go and dress appropriately. Even if it’s warm and sunny when you start your ride, the weather can change quickly, and it’s not uncommon to experience rain, hail, or even snow during a ride.
8. Embrace the Culture in Boulder, CO
Boulder is a unique city with a strong cycling culture, and one of the best ways to fully experience this is to embrace it. Take advantage of the many bike-related events and activities in the city, such as the annual Bike to Work Day or the Boulder Bike Swap. Engage with other cyclists and share your passion for cycling with others.
In conclusion, Boulder, Colorado is a fantastic place to cycle as a woman. With its stunning scenery, numerous bike paths and trails, and strong cycling culture, Boulder offers a unique and exciting cycling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. So grab your bike and head out on the road, and discover all that Boulder has to offer.
