KENYA CYCLING WOMEN
empowering women through cycling

Kenya Cycling Women, an initiative under Critical Mass Nairobi, is at the forefront of transforming the cycling culture in Kenya, breaking barriers for women and creating a vibrant, supportive community of female cyclists.
Since its launch, Kenya Cycling Women has become a beacon of progress, inspiring women to embrace cycling while addressing the unique challenges they face on the roads. With a membership of 163 women as of 2024, this program is not just about cycling; it’s about building confidence, fostering connections, and advocating for safer streets.
Why Kenya Cycling Women Matters
For many women in Kenya, the opportunity to cycle was once out of reach—whether due to lack of access, societal norms, or safety concerns. Kenya Cycling Women is bridging this gap by offering:
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A Safe Community: A space where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to cycle without judgment.
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Skill Development: From learning basic cycling skills to understanding bicycle mechanics, the program equips women to ride confidently and independently.
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Visibility and Advocacy: Through themed rides like the Skirts on Bikes and Red Ride in the City, the initiative challenges stereotypes, raises awareness, and inspires more women to cycle.
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Supportive Networks: A dynamic WhatsApp group fosters camaraderie, allowing members to plan rides, share experiences, and support one another.
Key Achievements
1. Growing Membership
Kenya Cycling Women has grown into a thriving network of 163 women cyclists, actively participating in rides, events, and discussions that celebrate and empower women.
2. Themed Rides with Impact
The initiative’s creative rides, including the Pink Ride (raising awareness for women’s issues) and White Ride (promoting unity and peace), have increased visibility and redefined cycling as an inclusive, empowering activity for women.
3. Research and Advocacy
A survey of female cyclists revealed critical challenges like safety concerns, lack of protected bike lanes, and inadequate gender-sensitive policies. This led to the development of an Actionable Strategy Document, providing a roadmap for improving cycling infrastructure and policies.
4. Leadership Development
A new leadership team has been appointed, including a female Program Manager, focusing on addressing women’s unique needs and advancing the initiative’s vision.
5. Strong Community Bonds
The initiative’s WhatsApp group has become a hub for planning rides, sharing personal milestones, and celebrating achievements like baby showers and birthdays—fostering a sense of belonging.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Kenya Cycling Women has made remarkable strides, it continues to address challenges such as:
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Leadership Gaps: Many women lack the training or confidence to step into leadership roles.
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Technical Knowledge: Limited skills in bicycle mechanics, such as gear changes and tire repairs, can hinder confidence during rides.
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Safety Concerns: The lack of protected bike lanes and secure parking remains a barrier to participation.
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Uneven Participation: Some neighborhoods face low turnout due to challenging terrain and safety issues.
Future Goals:
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Expand Training Opportunities: Organize workshops on bicycle mechanics and group management.
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Strengthen Advocacy: Work with policymakers to implement gender-sensitive cycling infrastructure.
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Enhance Marshal Support: Recruit and train marshals to ensure smooth and safe rides.
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Promote Inclusivity: Continue targeted outreach to underserved neighborhoods and groups.
Looking Ahead
Kenya Cycling Women is not just a program—it’s a movement. By empowering women to cycle confidently, it’s transforming lives, building stronger communities, and paving the way for safer, more inclusive streets.
As the initiative grows, it will continue to inspire more women to take up cycling, champion gender-sensitive infrastructure, and lead the way in transforming Nairobi’s cycling culture.
Join Us!
SUPPORT OUR WORK
We are actively looking for partners to sustain and scale our work. If this is you, please get in touch and let us transform how women experience cycling in our cities.