Latina Bicycling Group Challenges L.A.'s Macho Cycling Culture

The Ovarian Psyco Cycles Brigade is making inroads in changing Los Angeles's male-dominated cycling culture and altering traditional concepts of Latino women.

1 minute read

September 23, 2013, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

Only one in five bicycle riders in Los Angeles is female. But a pioneering group of female cyclists organized by Latinas in their 20s from Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles and Lincoln Heights "believe more women will turn out for rides with a female stride," writes Denise Florez.

"The [Ovarian Psyco Cycles Brigade] says the name 'is a play on words intended to be playful and simultaneously create some sort of acknowledgment/acceptance/pride in one's historically oppressed body.' Without blushing, the women use 'feminine positive' slogans and catchphrases too risque for a family newspaper," adds Florez.

"With male riders, 'there's that whole bro-ish kind of stuff,' [group leader Maryann] Aguirre said. 'We're not about who can ride fastest, we're about sisterhood.'"

FULL STORY: Latina bicyclists answer macho bike culture with their own chain gang

Sunday, September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles Times

Social / Demographics Transportation California Cycling Culture Ovarian Psyco Cycles Brigade Los Angeles View More

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