Just an update since I sat in on an webinar organized by this organization of the survey where there was panel of 5 women speakers all involved in cycling. Webinar was 90 min. long. As of Mar. 28, 2010: 7,300 women have responded on the survey. Thanks so far for some of you who have responded.

Survey is open until May 15, 2010. Takes only 10 min. Please forward the link below to other women that you know:

http://www.apbp.org/?page=Home

Interesting survey Orchid. I answered the questions the best way I could.

just took your survery Orchid.

http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Downloads
Summary of preliminary survey results begin on slide 42 (File will not download onto your computer. YOu can see it while still on Internet.) Over 1,100+ respondents do not have a car. (out of 7,300+ respondents so far)

It is important to understand that not having a car isn't a horrible thing, particularily if one lives close to public transit, services and shops.

One day, again, I hope to live without a car. I will add that to my list of goals so it is written down.

Yes Anno one day me too..
but for now my home is in a quiet peaceful village and there is no shop at all.My car is smaller than our last car very economical.
If I live long enough to choose a new home then my view would be to be on a mainline train station route have access to bus travel..a good taxi firm..a library and an eco friendly house..

I will look back happily to the garden I made and the trees we have planted..we choose a rural unbringing for our children with no polution and a community spirit.
car ownership can be essential depending on where your home is.

It was fun reading through your discussion, ladies.

I WAS a biker ages ago, and I really want to get back into it. I grew up in Madison, WI and that city is bicycle friendly. Back in high school I joined the Yellow Jersey Bike Co-op before I even know the significance of the yellow shirt....

In high school I had a job at Gimbel's Department Store at Hilldale Shopping Center, which is on the far west side. I lived on the far Northeast side of town -- and the City is built on an isthmus, which means there are only a few streets which connect the two parts of town.

I used to ride my 5 speed bike to work. It took me about 40 minutes, which wasn't bad, considering it would have been at least a 20 minute commute by car...

The only challenge to this was the heat wave that would overcome me once I got off the bike. I always had to leave early enough to allow my heart rate and body temperature to return to normal before I could go out onto the sales floor... And I used to wish the ladies room had a shower...

By college I was riding a 10-speed and then an even better one. I rode the latter bike well into my 30's. But for the past 22 years that bike has been gathering dust in the garage.

Lately, every time I walk past it, I think, "I've GOT to get new tires and start riding that thing again. I always had such fun on it!"

I just started working out again at a fitness center. Hopefully the new tires will happen soon!

Orchid!!! I wanted to share this with you yesterday but, today is just as good.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...t-8ft-long.html

Took the survey, thanks for sharing it with us!

Anne

I'm impressed Anne with your cycling history. Yes, Madison is considered a more bike-friendly city in the U.S.
My partner rode with another guy 3 years ago from VAncouver, BC to Madison, WI. I'll post the link to his mapped trip, when I find that bookmark.

Hope you get back on bike at some point. Whatever your heart wants. Just make sure you a get a bike that properly fits you and you already experienced the value of geared bikes and know how to use bike gears...so you're way ahead of some people already!

Great that some women here have answered the cycling survey!

Coincidentally at this time in an international women's cycling Internet forum, there's an informal cycling relay where we are schlepping a mini stuffed doll (made by Oxfam) and its tiny wire bike on an international journey. Starting last fall, the doll started off in Australia, then New Zealand, Singapore and now it's on its way to country of Chile. After Chile, it'll make its rounds in the U.S., Canada, etc. before being sent to Europe.

We have had a diverse range of women of all ages bike whatever distance they feel like and post pics of doll in its destination location.

Lola: That 'short' red ashphalt bike lane, is actually a bike intersection "box'. It's supposed to help warn cyclists in advance to stop and turn...if cars will not stop in the box.