Learn From the Ladies

I ride motorcycles, and let me tell you that there is a lot to be learned from biker chicks! 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 comprised 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

You are less likely to see a woman rider in a beanie helmet, t-shirt and jeans. In fact 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 resulting in higher prices. According to IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) women have a higher rate of helmet usage than men, and a vast majority embraces the full-face helmet.

C. They Ride Their Own Ride

Men are more prone to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as speeding and riding under the influence when in the company of other men.​ According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Admin) women riders often exhibit more cautious riding behaviors. They are less likely to saddle up for cheap thrills, and tend to find fulfillment in the individual experience of connecting with the road and their senses. 

D. They go it Alone! Women typically don't have "tribes" that ride with pack mentality. Group riding often results in peer pressure where riders tend to exceed their comfort zones resulting in risky behaviors and miscalculations. It's also not common to see women riding 2-up, keeping them lighter and more agile.

E. They Respect 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. Women riders embrace responsible riding habits early on, and tend to stick to them.

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. Some companies offer custom motorcycle helmets for women, allowing for a unique fit and design. 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.