American Motorcyclist Association Launches AMA Get Women Riding Campaign
With a series of
videos, expanded online content and an event for new riders at its
Ohio headquarters, the American Motorcyclist Association is
launching the AMA Get Women Riding campaign. The program promotes
motorcycling to women and girls.
"Although motorcycling is a fun and accessible choice, riders must
prepare with respect to proper training, safety and, of course,
bike considerations," said AMA Board of Directors Chair Maggie
McNally-Bradshaw. "As true as that is for all motorcyclists, it's
even more true for women riders. Women and girls face additional
difficulties of finding bikes and gear that fit them, of getting
certain salespeople to take them seriously and -- the big one --
overcoming the societal stereotype that motorcycling is something
for men only. The AMA Get Women Riding campaign will help change
that."
The AMA Get Women Riding campaign is inspired by Jeanne Clendenon,
a prolific motorcyclist and long-time AMA member. Clendenon, a
member of the Retreads Motorcycle Club, earned many riding awards,
including completing the U.S. Four Corners Tour in 21 days and
winning the Retreads long-distance award four years in a row.
Clendenon passed away in 2011. A recent gift from her estate
contributed to this campaign.
The AMA has a long history of welcoming women to the sport, from
its early affiliation with the Motor Maids, a premier motorcycling
group for female riders, to more recent conferences designed
specifically for women. The AMA Get Women Riding campaign includes
a number of initiatives to continue the tradition of attracting
more women to motorcycling.
"First,
we've put together four videos -- pubic service announcements --
that promote riding to women by women," McNally-Bradshaw said.
"These videos focus on the sport, camaraderie and individual
enjoyment that comes from riding. We encourage all of our members
and partners in the industry to share them and help spread the
word."
The videos are hosted on the AMA's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AmericanMotorcyclist/.
"We also have re-launched and redesigned www.womenandmotorcycling.com,"
McNally-Bradshaw added. "Once focused on a specific event, the
website now casts a much wider net, with information for new riders
and great stories about women motorcyclists, both past and present.
Combined with social media promotion throughout the month of May,
we hope to spread the word even further."
Also, on Saturday, May 9, the AMA will host Ladies Day at the AMA:
Workshops on Motorcycles, Gear and Riding for the New Rider.
Supported by local partners and dealers, the free event will
feature several presenters who will answer attendees questions
about how to get started in motorcycling, motorcycle types, how to
choose the right motorcycle
gear and information on safety training.
"I remember when I was new to motorcycling, and what really
got me excited was learning to ride," McNally-Bradshaw said. "These
workshops will focus on the practical information new riders need
to get started the right way."
Information about the event is at
www.americanmotorcyclist.com/AMALadiesDay. The first 20
attendees who register and check in at the AMA on May 9 will
receive a $15 voucher that can be spent in the AMA Motorcycle Hall
of Fame gift shop.
"The AMA is grateful to Ms. Clendenon's estate for the support
provided toward this effort," McNally-Bradshaw said. "It was her
hope that more women and girls would learn to enjoy riding as she
did. It's our pleasure to launch this campaign with that goal in
mind."
For more information about the AMA Get Women Riding campaign, and
to stay up to date on news and information for women riders, see
www.womenandmotorcycling.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
