General Cycling Discussion - Women's Views on Male Cyclists

It has come to my attention over time that many men I know would like to ditch their cars and ride their bikes everywhere exclusively; only problem is they wonder how this will effect their ability to go on dates and find/have girlfriends or wives. My question is simply how do women feel about men who don't own cars, but ride bikes everywhere? Seeing as I'm a man myself I figured this would be the easiest way to find out. Keep in mind they still have licenses and can drive, but have chosen not to. Thanks for the input.

I personally would not mind in the least, especially with the emphasis on green issues nowadays.
My husband is a driver, and I would love him to ditch the car and get a bike, but he wont.
More and more people, women especially are getting into cycling. So good luck!!!

I'd love a man who wanted to bike everywhere instead of drive! Oh wait, I already do ;)

I dig the notion completely. It is always nice to know that a man will plan out what he wants to make for dinner because he has only so much room on his bike as opposed to the supermarket wanderers who are indecisive and time wasters. What I am not into are the dirty guys who cycle a lot and don't shower on the regular or wash their clothing. There are some who practice poor hygiene as they wish not to be bothered because tomorrow they will ride again. Too many out there.

I married a man who does not own a vehicle, and rides everywhere ... including long distance rides all over the world. That's how we met!

Are you kidding? I'd LOVE to be with a guy who rides. (As long as he doesn't have nicer legs than me :p). If he uses a bike as primary transportation - hey! So do I! This is great, we can carry twice as much home from the store, and maybe explore the town a bit more as we do so. Bike dates are awesome.

Owning a car is no measure of a man's worth, and any woman who thinks it is probably isn't someone you want to date anyway.

(I will add one caveat - I know one couple where the man does not know how to drive, and relies on his girlfriend and friends to drive him everywhere. He is perfectly capable of learning but does not see any reason he should bother (exact quote). That does bug a lot of his friends, and I know his girlfriend is getting a bit sick of it. It would be one thing if he had actively chosen a car-free lifestyle, but he has only been out cycling once in the 4 years since I met him (I fixed his bike for him), and he whines constantly about the bus system. So, if you don't have a car, but friends offer to drive you, it's good karma to offer to take a turn at driving (especially on long trips!!).)

Just remember, the ladies reading Bike Forums will probably be a bit biased already. ;)

In my case, I was living car-free when I met my ex-wife and my new GF. Of course, after the divorce,
I was car free again. :p

That being said, there were a few women that put my status of living car-free as a "con" or their list
of pros and cons. I would guess that if a woman is really into you, it would not matter.

Wouldn't bother me that much, but I live in a very pro-car city where it's kinda hard to get around without one. The buses do have bike racks on the front, but our bus system is still pretty scary. I have a feeling I'd be driving A LOT if I was dating someone without a car (which I'm glad I'm not, he has cars for "play" and "work", plus mtb and road bike...lotsa wheels going on here). I don't need to be picked up for every date or anything, but cars definitely come in handy for, say, a spontaneous weekend road trip :)

On the flip side, I was briefly chatting with a guy who didn't know how to ride a bike. He's in his mid-20s and just... never learned. This bothered me IMMENSELY and was a rather huge turn-off. I offered to teach him, but he declined. NEXT!

but cars definitely come in handy for, say, a spontaneous weekend road trip :)



You can always rent a car for something like that.

Renting a car now and then is a whole lot less expensive than owning one.

You're asking women who cycle. That'd be like going to a cigarette forum and asking men if they like women who somke. Of course they do. I wouldn't throw up on them since it'd degrade my vomit.

If you live IN a major city like Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, etc then I think you could get away with it as long as your are basically dating a women who is yourself. But it will narrow your options down. I can't because I live out in the country and a ride to McDonalds would about kill you. Also if you go to college and live on campus with nearbye restaurants then yes it can work too.

Now if you are worth millions of dollars then you can weigh 300lbs and not even own a bicycle and have women falling over you.

In Manhattan, it's pretty common not to own a car. I didn't own a car when I met the woman who is now my wife. Still don't, though that may change soon as we're planning to move out to the 'burbs.

Of course, back then, I didn't even bike. If we ever wanted to go somewhere, I would just rent a car. Between zipcar, hertz hourly rental, hertz points acquired from work, and pretty good rates at Budget, that always came out WAY cheaper than actually owning a car.

I think to open this up to a statistical relevance the question would have to be opened up to women who don’t bike. As someone has already indicated. It doesn’t do much for information’s sake to ask a minority of women how they feel about a minority of men. It has been suggested that about 8 percent of the population can be called “cyclists”. At least if we take the reported number of bicycles that is supposed to be used in the US. So the question should be submitted to the 92 percent of the women who aren’t considered cyclists seeing as the chances of meeting one is better than 9 to 1. Another good question might be what are the chances of a car free couple meeting? Obviously there are car free couples out there but what are the odds? Go to Edmunds car forums and ask there and you will get a different response than you will get in a cycling forum.

Biology answers your question:

Most female mammals are selecting males by 2 major selective rules: security and resource gathering capabilities.

Modern society screwed up the selective rules on most cases, but DNA s still there, running the show behind social (modern) values. If you are broadcasting health and strong capabilities of gathering resources (decent wardrobe, decent job (the security thing), clean, decent place to leave) you are fine with the concept of riding your bike anywhere.

If that concept is actually broadcasting the impression that you cannot afford a car, you might have some more difficulties findind someone that share the same level of appearance and education that you have, just because somehow she is placing you in a category that doesn't qualify to be with her.

Sometimes, that is actually a favor your bike is doing for you, but that's a whole another topic, isn't it?

It also depends if they have a shiny bike.

Guys who ride bikes when they can obviously buy an expensive car can still get dates. Besides, being cheap is chic nowadays.

Actually ... what attracted me to Rowan was the fact that he DID NOT have a shiny bike ... and DID NOT have a car ... and DID NOT have a "decent wardrobe" (i.e. a collection of suits and ties) ........

What attracted me to Rowan was that he could fix a bicycle better than most bicycle mechanics I've come across. And that he was willing to give up his job and apartment to hit the road, and live in a tent, and experience life and have adventures. I like that he's not tied down to material things. I like the fact that he can pick up bits and pieces from here and there, and put together something usable. I like that he is creative in a very practical way. I like that he is able to fend for himself ... even under adverse conditions. And I really like the fact that he has a whole heap of bicycles, of all sorts ... to match my whole heap of bicycles. :D

Hm...looks like I'm in the minority here, but I'd like my boy to have a car. I'd be thrilled if he was a cyclist and used it sparingly, but I'd really prefer he have a car. It can be a cheap POS junker, that doesn't bother me. But I want to be able to put the mountain bikes on the car and drive out to Moab for a weekend, or drive up to the mountains to snowboard, or drive out to a race that is too far to use the commute as a warm-up. And yeah, I know, technically we could use my car, but...yeah...I'd just be happier if he had one too. It wouldn't be a total deal-breaker if he didn't though.

Another good question might be what are the chances of a car free couple meeting? Obviously there are car free couples out there but what are the odds? Depending on your social circle and location, the odds can actually be quite high.

Are you kidding? I'd LOVE to be with a guy who rides. (As long as he doesn't have nicer legs than me :p).


ahem... :D:p

I must say I am incredibly suprised by the number of people who responded, and even more so by the fact that the majority of you said it was okay if he didn't have a car. I do realized this is a cycling site, but I suppose for most men riding their bicycle everywhere they would want a woman who biked. I must say I was expecting a more negative view on this, I thought it was shocking to see only one comment that was negative really and even then the car wasn't a deal breaker. Thanks to all who responded thus far. Feel free to keep posting your thoughts on this.

Someone pointed out that you're asking female cyclists, and would likely get a different answer asking non-cyclists. I might just point out, that among all the people I know in real life, there are ZERO female cyclists. Four or five guys that used to cycle, but don't anymore a couple that still do.

As a man myself...um...<takes a peek>...yup, I wouldn't want to date or marry a lady who was concerned that I do not have a motor vehicle and that I ride my bike everywhere.

In my mind, if she is THAT shallow then someone else can have her.*

*This assumes of course that she has a small to normal breast size, if larger and perky with nice shapely hips then that changes things (oh relax, I'm just kidding!).

I must say I am incredibly suprised by the number of people who responded, and even more so by the fact that the majority of you said it was okay if he didn't have a car. I do realized this is a cycling site, but I suppose for most men riding their bicycle everywhere they would want a woman who biked. I must say I was expecting a more negative view on this, I thought it was shocking to see only one comment that was negative really and even then the car wasn't a deal breaker. Thanks to all who responded thus far. Feel free to keep posting your thoughts on this.

If you belong to other forums that aren't related to biking or motorized vehicles, you may get more unbiased opinions by asking there.

If you belong to other forums that aren't related to biking or motorized vehicles, you may get more unbiased opinions by asking there.

Yeah, not to mention anyone who disagrees is unlikely to want to respond and get flamed endlessly for expressing their opinion. Even as a guy who bikes regularly, I did briefly date a girl who biked or took public transit everywhere and it was a drawback - not philosophically (philosophically I thought it was awesome) but when we're meet to get something to eat you could tell it was always time consuming and a big deal for her to meet anywhere more than 5 miles from where she lived. She would spend 45 minutes on the bus each way to meet for dinner for an hour. That had nothing to do with why we didn't keep dating, but I could tell it would get annoying.

Even as a guy who bikes regularly, I did briefly date a girl who biked or took public transit everywhere and it was a drawback - not philosophically (philosophically I thought it was awesome) but when we're meet to get something to eat you could tell it was always time consuming and a big deal for her to meet anywhere more than 5 miles from where she lived. She would spend 45 minutes on the bus each way to meet for dinner for an hour. That had nothing to do with why we didn't keep dating, but I could tell it would get annoying.

See now, for me the guy (or in your case girl) would actually have to be able to ride a bicycle. He would have to feel comfortable doing a century a month. Cycling 50 km round trip to get groceries should not be an issue. Cycling 5 miles to go out for dinner should be a piece of cake!

Dating on bicycles seems problematic to me. No backseats for necking.

'bout half the girlfriends I've had don't like that I ride a bike everywhere. Half of 'em think it's great and are sometimes willing to come out... others are terrified of riding or complain about it... or don't like that I stay thin and in-shape because of it and they aren't as in-shape as I am...

just my two cents.

Yeah, Zan probably has the right of it. One gal I dated back in the day just saw it as a "guy hobby," but was perfectly happy that it made me happy. Another got into cycling, though not as much as me. It's very idiosyncratic.

Dating on bicycles seems problematic to me. No backseats for necking.

That's why the good Lord made old barns, woods, haystacks, tents, outhouses...well....maybe not outhouses.

I live in the greater Los Angeles area, not the most car-free area. I just started driving a few months ago after 6 months of living car free. When I initially gave up my car my social/dating life was GREATLY reduced, but I adjusted and found new circles of friends that were more in line with being car free anyways. Once I got used to it and felt comfortable I decided it was time to start driving again, but in limited quantity. Driving again has allowed me to be social/date in a larger geographical area (obviously). I was on a date with a woman last Friday and somehow this subject came up. She had been in contact with some men that were car free. She said most of them asked her to drive to them, or pick them up, or meet them at a bus station. So basically they just shifted the burden of transportation from themselves to her. I don't think you have to be a car lover to see that is surely no way for a man to attract a woman, or even keep existing friends. I never behaved like that, but it allowed me to understand that some people do and that might sour some women's acceptance on going out with a car free man.

I'm a car free woman living w/ my non-cyclist, auto mechanic partner who is completely car- and motorcycle nuts. It's actually really convenient that he has a car - makes it easier for me to not have one of my own.

In a good relationship it's immaterial that our transportation choices are so different. As long as we both make it home each night, it's all good. I'm not really into the eco-politics of cycling, so we don't have to argue about it.

p.s. the plus about a gearhead guy: never catching any crap about buying a bike costing more than $100!!! I could go out and drop 3k on some awesome flashiness and still not even approach what his wheeled passions cost!

For the women who don't mind a man without a car. Do you strictly ride road cycles or do you mountain bike also?

My girlfriend lives 30miles away from me since she goes to college in Atlanta. The 30mile road does not allow bicycles being a US Highway and part of it is limited access (interstate style) so bicycles aren't allowed. To take bicycle legal roads it'd increase my distance big time, not to mention going through a very rough part of town on a bicycle.

She and I would not be going out if I did not have a car. I wouldn't care if she didn't though cause she lives intown and we taxi around a lot (when drinking). We're not big fans of our subway and mass transit systems because well. This is the norm...
(NSFW language)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZtGz_7WI0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUYIEhUem00
makes for fun rides though

For the women who don't mind a man without a car. Do you strictly ride road cycles or do you mountain bike also?

I ride road bicycles, mtn bikes, and I've even ridden a couple different recumbents on occasion.



My girlfriend lives 30miles away from me ... She and I would not be going out if I did not have a car.

My boyfriend, and now husband, lives about 8637 miles (13900 kilometers) away from me and has for all but 39 weeks of the 4 years we've been together. He does not own a car ... and I don't care, we're still in a happy, committed relationship with each other. Rowan is Australian, living in Australia and I am Canadian, living in Canada.

30 miles is nothing!

i'd expect if the guy was financially in good shape alot of women would just take his bike riding as an eccentricity and leave it at that. on the other hand a man like me that has to ride for financial reasons because he can't afford a car is a whole other matter. women look down on men like me as losers in society.

women look down on men like me as losers in society.

Oh come now...you probably just haven't met the right one!

to answer the OP's question, would I rule out guys who are vehicular cyclists... of course not- I am one too. Y'all are right, maybe the sample group is a bit skewed in here

. women look down on men like me as losers in society.


someone needs a hug ((((Acorn)))):)

Acorn you are loved!

I like the fact that the boyfriend has a car -- I don't and he lets me borrow it from time to time for grocery shopping and such things. But much more important is the fact the he has an indeterminate number of bikes and goes on biking vacations with me. There's something sort of nice about two people leaving home in the morning to go their separate ways to work, one of them on a black bicycle and one on a blue one.

I met my boyfriend on a group ride. He didn't have a car when we met, and it wasn't a huge deal - but it did get annoying as we lived on opposite sides of the city.

3 years later, he bought a car, and I have to say I like it. It makes things easier. We can easily go in two different directions in the evening or on the weekend without having to work out the logistics.

Biology answers your question:

Most female mammals are selecting males by 2 major selective rules: security and resource gathering capabilities.

[...]

If that concept is actually broadcasting the impression that you cannot afford a car, you might have some more difficulties [...]

+1

If the potential mate is riding because he can't afford a car and because he's dead broke or because his license has been suspended due to DUI or the like, he's going to have problems finding a girl that wants to settle down into a lifestyle of have-not and/or substance abuse.

Personally, I'll take the guy that has his finances in order, money saved, can afford a car but chooses to ride because he loves it, it keeps him in shape and he's trying to lessen his footprint on our planet. :love:

Dating on bicycles seems problematic to me. No backseats for necking.

I find that riding with my girl is far more intimate and enjoyable than driving with her..

What about if I have a car but choose to still show up to dates on my bicycle? :)

On the other hand, after being in several relationships, I'm not dating any girls that don't own a bicycle.

For the women who don't mind a man without a car. Do you strictly ride road cycles or do you mountain bike also? Well, I tend to ride primarily on the roads, because I ride primarily for transportation, and that's what leads places. However, if there were mtb trails that led somewhere, sure, I'd take them. Would be fun, as long as they aren't all crazy and technical, but just normal x-country trails.

Biology answers your question:

Most female mammals are selecting males by 2 major selective rules: security and resource gathering capabilities.

Modern society screwed up the selective rules on most cases, but DNA s still there, running the show behind social (modern) values. If you are broadcasting health and strong capabilities of gathering resources (decent wardrobe, decent job (the security thing), clean, decent place to leave) you are fine with the concept of riding your bike anywhere.

If that concept is actually broadcasting the impression that you cannot afford a car, you might have some more difficulties findind someone that share the same level of appearance and education that you have, just because somehow she is placing you in a category that doesn't qualify to be with her.

Sometimes, that is actually a favor your bike is doing for you, but that's a whole another topic, isn't it? My boyfriend's wardrobe and choice of transportation (bike, of course) would seem to broadcast "jobless and broke". That's excellent, the other girls won't try to steal him, since they have no way of finding out the size of his paycheck. Heh, heh!

My boyfriend's wardrobe and choice of transportation (bike, of course) would seem to broadcast "jobless and broke". That's excellent, the other girls won't try to steal him, since they have no way of finding out the size of his paycheck. Heh, heh!

I don't know. Chicks seem to dig the homeless look now. Mainly because you have to spend big money on jeans to look homeless.