1) Let the woman (your girl friend, wife, friend, family member, etc.) express enthusiasm for the sport before telling her that she’ll like it. Same goes with trying other new things.

2) Offer NO unsolicited feedback, unless there is a safety concern. I think this one applies to both genders. She’ll ask for help when she needs it, and self-sufficient cycling requires this attribute.

3) Support women’s rides, by helping promote to other women, and respect women-only attendance. I don’t understand exactly why, but women-only forums have shown to increase the receptiveness of women participation in a number of ways (ex: Co-ed vs. Girls School: http://www.girlslearndifferently.com/classroombias.php)

4) Anticipate that women riding with other women may ride more, faster, with greater skill and your coed rides together will be more fun. They probably won’t drop you, but maybe they could?  When in doubt, let the woman lead and set the pace.

5) Find women role models for yourself. Who has inspired you or supported your hobbies?

6) Encourage your female riding partner to find and develop her own riding style, without comparison to other people.

7) Encourage off-the-bike activities to include women in the bike community: bike films, repair classes, trail maintenance, leadership in advocacy.

8 ) Provide similar opportunities for women if you plan/organize races. If combined fields are a necessity due to low attendance, perhaps find ways to split other fields, combine and make a regular rotation of field combinations. Have an equal payout/prize for top placing women.

9) Think things out twice and do share your opinions. Try to respond to situations before reacting.

10) Share your goals. Be positive and encouraging, for when goals are achieved.  Avoid taking credit for their success or over-emphasizing small goals.