Learn From the Ladies

I ride motorcycles, and let me tell you that we can learn from the biker girls! Women are safer in the saddle-plain and simple. Studies consistently indicate that female motorcycle riders exhibit safer riding behaviors compared to their male counterparts, resulting in fewer and less severe accidents. Let's take a deeper look.

A. The Numbers Speak

Motorcycle ownership by women is on the rise. In 1998 women accounted for only 8% of motorcycle owners, and today this figure is close to 20%. Despite this increase in ownership, female riders do remarkably better when it comes to fatal motorcycle accidents. In 2022, women constituted about 8% of motorcycle fatalities, while men accounted for 92%. Even adjusting for ownership disparity, women would account for only 25% of fatal accidents.

Tilikum Supports Women Riders

B. Ladies Dress for the Occasion

Studies show that full-face helmets, gear with body armor, and ankle boots mitigate severity of motorcycle related injuries. Women are more likely to invest in high-quality helmets, jackets, and gloves, even though brands charge a "pink tax" on some women's gear leading to higher prices. According to IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) women have a higher rate of helmet usage than men.

C. They Ride Their Own Ride

Men are more prone to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as speeding and riding under the influence, which contribute to the increased severity of injuries.​ According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Admin) women riders often exhibit more cautious riding behaviors, which may lead to fewer accidents and less severe injuries overall.

D. They Go it Alone! This is my personal observation. Women tend not to ride in groups, and they appear more independent and self-confident. Riding is a solo activity, and you have to be your own person. Group riding often times leads to peer pressure where riders tend to exceed their comfort zones, resulting in risky behaviors and miscalculations.

They Respect the Sport & the Privilege

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), approximately 60% of female riders have completed a motorcycle safety course, whereas only about 42% of male riders have undergone similar training.  Men are more likely to rely on self-taught skills or informal training. PLAIN STUPID.

At Tilikum, we are proud of our lady riders. They take their riding seriously, and tend to have fewer accidents. They file fewer claims, and in turn, enjoy lower insurance premiums than their male counterparts.

We also advocate professionally fitted full-face helmets. Go to your local motorcycle gear store and get fitted with a good quality helmet by a professional who knows about crash safety. As the saying goes, $100 helmets are for $100 heads.