Alison Stewart, the Bicycle Mayor of Toronto, is well-known for cycling advocacy and her commitment to making Canada’s largest city more bike-friendly for all. Recently, she announced the formation of a new initiative aimed at addressing a significant gap in the city’s bike community: the underrepresentation of women, trans, and femme cyclists. This new group, Femmes & Friends, is not just about riding bikes—it’s about creating a supportive space where women can come together, share the joy of cycling, and challenge the barriers that often keep them from feeling safe and comfortable on the roads.
Bridging the Gender Gap
Stewart’s inspiration for creating Femmes & Friends came from her own experiences as a woman cyclist in a city where public spaces and transportation systems have been historically shaped by the needs and preferences of men. In Toronto, women often face a gender imbalance when it comes to cycling—both in terms of accessibility and the comfort level of biking in public spaces.
“Women face sexist and misogynistic behaviors when in public, making what should be a simple act of exercising or biking a daunting prospect,” Stewart explains. “Even before you consider the lack of safe cycling infrastructure, the atmosphere can often feel unwelcoming for women.”
For Stewart, this imbalance was not just a personal challenge, but also a societal one that needed to be addressed. As both an avid cyclist and a cycling advocate, she was motivated to help build a culture that encourages more women, trans, and femme individuals to embrace biking and feel comfortable doing so.
Femmes & Friends: A Welcoming Space for All
The mission of Femmes & Friends is clear: to foster a collective of women who enjoy biking and want to share that joy with others. The group’s events are designed to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where women of all ages, abilities, identities, incomes, and mobilities can gather without fear of judgment or competition.
“Our bike rides aim to be pure theatre without any drama,” says Stewart. The goal is to have fun, celebrate cycling, and build community—not to push anyone beyond their limits or make them feel out of place. Femmes & Friends is about building connections and confidence, not competition.
Femmes & Friends kicks off with a Bike Fair in Toronto on March 9.
Femmes & Friends: For Fun and Connection
While the core mission of Femmes & Friends revolves around creating a positive cycling culture, the group will also host a range of exciting events throughout the year. From celebrating Bike Month and World Car-Free Day to embracing the festive spirit with Halloween rides, these events will provide a chance for participants to join together and enjoy cycling in a fun and accessible way.
All rides will incorporate a range of elements that emphasize fun and inclusivity. There will be a picnic to share meals and stories, a “try a bike” component for newcomers who might not have their own bicycle, and a slow roll format to ensure that everyone can keep up regardless of experience or fitness level.
“We want people to show up as they are—wear whatever you like, whether it’s a casual outfit or something a little more festive. It’s about enjoying the ride, the people, and the atmosphere,” Stewart adds.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, Femmes & Friends rides will feature playful elements such as balloons, bubbles, colourful flowers, and music—all aimed at creating positive vibes that encourage people to experience the joy of cycling in a stress-free environment.
Building a Movement
The creation of Femmes & Friends marks a significant step toward a more inclusive cycling culture in Toronto. By focusing on fun, community, and accessibility, Stewart is helping to dismantle the barriers that too often discourage women from biking. It’s a movement that not only empowers women and femmes to embrace cycling but also promotes a shift in how public spaces and transportation are perceived and designed.
As the group continues to grow, it is expected to play an important role in shaping the future of cycling in Toronto, creating a culture where everyone, regardless of gender or identity, can enjoy the freedom and joy of riding a bike.
For Stewart, this initiative is more than just about cycling—it’s about creating a lasting change that transforms the city’s relationship with public space, safety, and community. Through Femmes & Friends, she hopes to inspire more women, trans, and femme individuals to take to the streets and reclaim public spaces for themselves.
As cycling advocates know, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about building a world where everyone feels welcome, supported, and able to move freely. Femmes & Friends is a step in that direction.
