International Female Ride Day: A Celebration of Women Motorcyclists

Riders Come Together in Honolulu to Challenge Stereotypes and Explore the Open Road

The first weekend of May has marked the International Female Ride Day (IFRD) for the past 17 years and this May 6th of 2023 was no exception! The annual event was founded in 2007 by Vicki Gray, a longtime rider, racer, teacher, and all-around moto talent, to encourage women to get out and ride their motorcycles. On Oahu, enthusiasts from various riding clubs across the island came together for the day to connect over their shared two-wheeled passion.

This year Desirai Tolbert took the reins to organize the Oahu based riding event, partnering with Cycle City, to host a day-long celebration that kicked off with a scenic ride around the island and finished with live music, food trucks, games, raffles, and lots of camaraderie back at Cycle City in Salt Lake.

Besides bringing the community together for a day of fun the globally synchronized event represents a day of empowerment for female riders in a hobby/sport that has been traditionally, and still is, dominated by men. The goal of IFRD is to increase visibility for women in motorcycling and to encourage more women to get involved in the sport. IFRD is also a great opportunity for women to connect with other riders and to share their love of motorcycles.

The event is open to all women regardless of skill level or experience and as Desirai said, “It’s our day to “Just Ride”. As a woman in the biker community this day is an opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals, ride, and talk story.” But there’s more to the celebration than just a party. Since May is motorcycle awareness month the event also aims to highlight the importance of motorcycle awareness and safety on the roads for drivers of both 4-wheeled and 2-wheeled drivers. On Oahu alone, 9 motorcyclists have already died on the road in 2023.

Distractions on the road are many from things such as cell phones, radios, and passengers. Bikers are especially vulnerable when motorists don’t pay enough attention to their surroundings and run stop signs, red-lights, or fail to look before changing lanes. On the flip side Desirai takes time to urge bikers to be cautious and stay focused saying, “Even the most experience motorcyclists can make a detrimental decision that can cause themselves harm or even death. So far in 2023 we have lossed 9 motorcyclists. That’s 9 too many.”

Desirai also goes on to say, “Besides motorcycle awareness, I want the community to recognize that we bikers, both women and men, love to contribute to our community. Different clubs raise money for local charities and volunteer their time to do different types of community service. The donations collected today will be donated to a local charity here on island. Donations to this charity stay in our community. They helped over 70,000 families last year!” Proceeds from this year’s event are being made by private donation on behalf of the IFRD Oahu event to the local Child & Family Service organization.

The annual International Female Riders Day is a great opportunity to show support for women in motorcycling and contribute to local communities if you’re a woman who loves to ride be sure to mark your calendars for this annual event the first Saturday of every May to get involved and learn more about the local motorcycle community. If you’d like more information you can text leave a voicemail message for Desirai at 808-400-3153.

by Erica McMillan