What began as one woman’s determination to learn how to ride a bicycle has grown into one of Johannesburg’s most recognisable cycling communities.

Ever so often, women gather at Braamfontein Werf at 44 Stanley, where they are provided with bicycles and the signature pink helmets that have become synonymous with Girls on Bikes before setting off to explore Johannesburg’s streets together.

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The group was founded by Karabo Mashele after she was challenged by her brother, Tiyiselani Mashele, to become “the reason to believe” that more women could get onto bicycles.
At the time, Mashele could not even ride one herself. “I learnt how to ride a bicycle in my late 20s,” she said. “Once I experienced what it felt like to finally feel confident on a bike, I wanted to create a space where other women could experience that freedom too.”

What started as a way to encourage more women to cycle has evolved into something much bigger. “Literally getting more women and girls on bicycles is our mission.” Through the group’s Cycle PWR initiative, women who never had the opportunity to learn as children are taught to ride without fear or embarrassment, regardless of their age. Girls on Bikes welcomes women of all ages, fitness levels and experience, removing many of the barriers that often discourage people from trying the sport. “The little girl in you wasn’t afraid to fall. That’s the girl you need to remember. If your mind wants to do it, your body will follow.”

The rides themselves are about far more than exercise. Mashele describes them as a space where women can simply enjoy each other’s company. “Being an adult every day is already hard work. Cycling becomes a place where you make new friends. It’s the spirit of sisterhood. It’s like the energy of the girls’ bathroom, where everyone encourages each other.” Those friendships have grown into business partnerships, mentoring relationships and a support network that extends well beyond the rides.

Doctors who are part of the community have even volunteered their expertise to support fellow members, while others have found clients, collaborators and lifelong friends. For Mashele, creating safe spaces for women has become just as important as promoting cycling. “As women, we aren’t always made to feel safe. Even if it’s only for two hours, this is a space where we get to experience freedom.”

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Whenever the group takes to Johannesburg’s streets, the bright pink helmets attract waves, cheers and curious questions from passers-by. “If you see those pink helmets, you know it’s Girls on Bikes,” Mashele laughed. “People shout, ‘Go girls!’ and other cyclists always want to know who we are.” Each ride ends the same way it begins – together. After exploring the city, the women gather for brunch, sharing stories, celebrating milestones and looking forward to their next ride a couple of weeks later.

Looking ahead, Mashele hopes to expand Girls on Bikes into other provinces, introduce curated cycling experiences and inspire more young girls to discover the joy of riding. “The best hood is womanhood. You need other women to encourage you, give you confidence and remind you that you can do hard things.”

For Girls on Bikes, every ride is about much more than reaching the finish line. It’s about proving that confidence can begin with something as basic as getting on a bicycle.

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