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.'"


Sunday, September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles Times

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.