Features / Motorcycles
The Bristol motorcyclists empowering women in a male-dominated field
A global movement seeking to inspire, empower and support women motorcyclists to thrive in a male-dominated sport is fast gaining traction in Bristol.
Marta Freire, who goes by Piston Pinup on Instagram, first heard about the Petrolettes last year when the group that was founded in Berlin was due to host a festival aimed at connecting female riders together.
When Covid restrictions saw the event cancelled, a series of rallies were organised instead and Marta seized the opportunity to form a group in Bristol to connect like-minded women and showcase some of the city’s sights to the world.
is needed now More than ever
The first trip in 2020 saw a group of six women take to the streets on two wheels and by this year, numbers have risen to 30. Among them was renowned motorcyclist and travel writer Jacqui Furneaux – a long time rider who travelled around the world on her Royal Enfield Bullet.
Petrolettes Bristol showcase the city on two wheels – photo by Abby (Grease & Grain)
“It was great to connect with female riders and provide a unique and safe space for women to share their passion and develop a love for motorbikes,” Marta tells Bristol24/7.
“Often, when we ride with men, it can be a bit race-focused and sometimes we can be seen as the weak link. Women have a different attitude; we are more about enjoying the movement and enjoying the freedom.”
Marta first got her bike licence in her hometown of Lisbon in Portugal but it wasn’t until she came to the UK to study forensic science at UWE Bristol that she bought her first motorbike for £350.
“I think what really appealed to me was the freedom it brought,” says Marta, who practised riding in empty car parks and quiet roads until she built up her confidence.
The founder of the Petrolettes Bristol group says the growing movement is one that seeks to be inclusive for all women, enabling them to connect and support each other to realise their full potential.
She says she used to go to bike meets and women there would ask questions about how she got into riding – there is now a growing number of women taking up motorcycling, with many doing so later in life.
“Some in the industry really welcome us. I think manufacturers know there is a huge opportunity in the market,” says Marta.
“But a lot of time women have gone to showrooms and don’t have a good experience.”
Marta, who does the maintenance on her bikes herself, is keen to inspire more women to consider taking up motorcycling and encourages anyone interested to get in touch. Personally, she would love to expand the Petrolettes further and even plan a big trip – perhaps around the Iberian Peninsula – when restrictions allow.
The group seeks to empower and inspire female riders – photo by Abby (Grease & Grain)
Main photo by Abby (Grease & Grain)
Read more: Cycling Sisters are doing it for themselves
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
