Pennsylvania's love affair with motorcycles is evident anytime you navigate the Keystone State's many throughways, with riders enjoying our highways and byways during the spring, summer and fall months.
When it comes to the number of motorcycles registered by state, Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the country with 396,315 in 2014—behind only California, Florida, Texas, and Ohio.
But consider this information from the American Motorcyclist Association:
- The average age of the American motorcyclist is 48.
- The average amount of riding experience is 26 years.
- 95 percent of its members are men.
What's the emerging question for the motorcycle industry at large and people like us who have long felt the call of the open road? How do we engage new riders, millennials and women and get them involved in—and excited about—motorcycling?
The motorcycle industry has been working hard to make owning a motorcycle more attractive and feasible for new riders, millennials and women. The industry is courting them through a variety of ways:
Less Expensive, More Efficient Options
The motorcycle industry has been developing bikes that appeal to millennials who statistically have lower budgets on average—ones that are greener and less pricey. High-profile motorcycle manufacturers including Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki have all introduced models that boast better fuel efficiency and are sold at a lower price point.
More Accessible Motorcycle Intro Courses
Making introductory courses affordable and accessible to new and younger riders is a key to enticing them to join the motorcycling community. One way the industry is accomplishing this is through a change to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's online Basic eCourse. The intensive, three-hour program is designed to give potential riders an introduction to motorcycling and riding safety to determine if riding is a good fit for them. While the course used to be available exclusively on desktop computers, it was recently changed so you can access it on laptops, tablets, and smart phones.
Including the Ladies
Motorcycle manufacturers are devoting more of their marketing efforts to female riders—and for good reason. While the American Motorcyclists Association reports that only 5 percent of its members are women, the Motorcycle Industry Council's statistics state that ladies account for 14 percent of the total number of motorcyclists in the U.S. is female. That means there are now more than 1.2 million women motorcyclists in the United States. Companies are using more women in their advertisem*nts, and some, like Harley Davidson, are engaging women through Garage Party events where participants learn about bikes, gear, and more in a low-pressure environment.
What Motorcyclists Can Do to Encourage New Riders
Help enlist the next generation of Pennsylvania's motorcyclists. Statistics compiled by CivicScience.com reveal that millennials considering the purchase of a motorcycle are 40 percent more likely to feel more comfortable in a group than by themselves. Knowing this, motorcycle enthusiasts like us should take every opportunity to invite new motorcyclists into our riding groups.
American Motorcyclist Association
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
http://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/number-of-women-riders-hits-all-time-high
https://civicscience.com/motorcycle-purchasing-potential-among-millennials/
FAQs
Contrary to most research, a CDK Global Lightspeed survey cited in Power sports Business found that 43 percent of all off-road motorbikes bought between 2019 and 2020 were by Millennials.
What percent of motorcycle riders are women? ›
Check out these 2018 statistics from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). In 2018, the estimated number of motorcycles owned by females is 19 percent. Owners includes riders and passengers of any motorcycle registered by a woman. Nearly 1 in 5 motorcycle owners is female.
How has the motorcycle impacted society in a positive way? ›
Motorcycles have inspired a lot of art and music over the last several decades. Motorcycles have been the subject and inspiration for a lot of songs, including Steppenwolf's iconic “Born to Be Wild.” Motorcycles have also inspired an entire genre of fashion that is still popular today among riders and non-riders alike.
How to find a biker boyfriend? ›
Download the Biker Planet app! We are the premier biker and motorcycle dating community on the web. Our core focus is connecting male and female riders looking for a place to chat and build relationships. With the Biker Planet app, you can find biker enthusiasts from around the world.
What demographics ride motorcycles? ›
Who's riding motorcycles in California? Older, married, educated men with money -- and getting more so. New statistics prepared by the Motorcycle Industry Council show the median age of California motorcycle owners was 45 years old in 2012 -- having risen from 33 years in 1990, 38 years in 1998 and 41 years in 2009.
Are people who ride motorcycles happier? ›
Further research has shown that engaging in physical activity, such as riding a motorcycle, increases serotonin levels in the brain, increasing happiness and decreasing depressive symptoms.
Why do people still ride motorcycles? ›
This thrill, this exhilaration, stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This biochemical reaction partially explains the sheer joy many riders experience. Motorcycling often breeds a strong sense of community.
What state has the most motorcycle riders? ›
From Alaska to Florida, the United States is home to nearly 8.8 million registered motorcycles. California leads the nation in total ownership, while Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas round out the top five states.
What are motorcycle women called? ›
What is another word for biker chick?
| badass female rider | female motorcyclist |
|---|
| motorcycle-savvy woman | tough woman biker |
| biker girl | female biker |
Exposure to heat and cold
Motorcyclists can be prone to heatstroke in hot weather – especially when wearing full safety gear. At the same time, riding in very cold weather or rain can come with an increased risk of hypothermia. Most motorcyclists don't experience these health problems.
The psychology of motorcycle riders encompasses a range of factors that influence their experiences and choices. For many riders, the thrill of speed, the sense of freedom, and the adrenaline rush form a significant part of the appeal.
Why are motorcycles so popular? ›
Speed draws many people to motorcycling because the power-to-weight ratio of even a low-power motorcycle is in league with that of an expensive sports car. The power-to-weight ratio of many modestly priced sport bikes is well beyond any mass-market automobile and rivals that of supercars for a fraction of the price.
Is riding a motorcycle intimate? ›
Exposed to the elements, riders can truly immerse themselves in the environment, experiencing the sun, the wind, the scents, and the scenery in a profoundly intimate way.
Why is riding a motorcycle so addictive? ›
Motorcycle riding provides riders with a unique experience of pure freedom and joy as they take in the spectacular views of the open road. The feeling of the wind in their faces and the sense of freedom can be exhilarating and addictive, creating an enjoyable escape from everyday life.
Do more men or women ride motorcycles? ›
There are indeed more men on motorcycles than women. However, there is an interesting shift in recent motorcycling trends. The number of female riders on the road is increasing at a good pace now. The lack of female representation in motorcycling has historical roots.
Why are most motorcyclists men? ›
Some of the most common reasons include: Stereotypes and cultural norms: Motorcycles have often been associated with masculinity, and there is a cultural stereotype that views motorcycling as a male-dominated activity. This can make it difficult for women to feel welcome and encouraged to participate.
