Women's Perceptions of and Barriers to Mountain Biking in Northwest Arkansas

The purpose of this study was to better understand women’s perceptions of and barriers to mountain biking in Northwest Arkansas (NWA), known for having some of the best trails in the United States. Using descriptive statistics, the results of an online survey (N = 150) revealed descriptors that detoured women from participating in mountain biking: mountain biking is a male- dominated sport (M = 3.88, SD = 0.92), the gear is too expensive (M = 3.87, SD = 0.96), people who ride mountain bikes are super athletic (M = 3.57, SD = 1.04), when I think of mountain biking, I picture men (M = 3.35, SD = 1.02). The results of this study may influence outdoor education professionals, parks and recreation programming, cycling advocacy organizations, and any who make marketing materials for the outdoor industry.