Female motorcyclists: Breaking barriers and shifting gears

FOR centuries, society confined women to predefined roles, portraying them as delicate, nurturing, and suited only for tasks deemed ‘appropriate’ for their gender. Activities considered risky or unconventional were reserved for men, while women were expected to stay within the realm of safety and predictability. However, as times have changed, so too, have the boundaries that once held women back.

Today, more women are rewriting the narrative, pushing against societal norms, and claiming space in areas long dominated by men. Three of those women, Corporal Morata Murdock; Paula-Anne Porter-Jones, broadcaster and educator; and Laurie Radlin-Walker, entrepreneur, are doing just that — navigating the world of motorcycling with confidence and skill.

Being a female motorcyclist comes with unique challenges. On the road, they often sense the astonishment from male riders when they realise a woman is keeping up with them.

“For some, it’s intimidating, and in some ways, it affects their egos,” Radlin-Walker remarked, reflecting on her experiences.

Porter Jones shared how she enjoys the double take from male riders when she removes her helmet, revealing that they had been riding alongside a woman all along.

“I kinda like when you ride up, stop, take off the helmet, and they realise it’s a woman!” she chuckled.

Murdock has had similar experiences, noting that some male riders react competitively when they become aware that she is a woman.

“They start revving up their engines, especially if I’m on a bigger bike than they are,” she said, shaking her head.

Despite the moments of competition and resistance, all three women acknowledged that there are men who support and uplift female motorcyclists. The late Sergeant Uzander ‘Mackie’ McFarlane had been one such mentor for all three women in different capacities, ensuring that they felt capable, encouraged, and equal in a space that often favoured men.

Murdock described her experience training under McFarlane at the police academy as life-changing.

“The great Mackie, may his soul rest in peace,” she exclaimed, reminiscing about her first fall from a motorcycle after he gave her the opportunity to ride during training.

For Radlin-Walker, riding a motorcycle does not mean sacrificing femininity. With beautifully painted long acrylic nails, she embraces her ‘hot girl’ appearance while commanding her machine.

“Some men can’t believe I ride with long nails, but that’s just their opinion. It doesn’t affect me at all,” she said.

She pointed out that women generally are fascinated by her ability to balance both worlds, proving that being a rider does not mean losing the essence of being a woman.

For all three women, one of the greatest joys of motorcycling is the sense of freedom it provides.

“When you’re on the motorcycle, it’s like you’re in a different world,” related Murdock.

Radlin-Walker described it as “tunnel vision”, where it is just her and the bike, moving as one.

Beyond the thrill, they acknowledged the misconceptions surrounding motorcyclists. Many people view them as reckless and irresponsible, and Porter-Jones noted that some are even outright rude to riders.

“But they’re not gonna be rude to you as a police officer,” she quipped at Murdock.

One undeniable reality of motorcycling is the high number of male fatalities, many of which could be prevented by wearing proper safety measures, particularly a certified helmet.

“When we are the ones driving the motorcycle, we are usually wearing helmets,” Porter Jones pointed out.

Murdock emphasised that for women, safety is instinctive.

“Automatically, as women, we are protectors. We want to keep ourselves safe and ensure that others are safe as well.”

Radlin-Walker was direct in her stance on helmets.

“Yuh not a rider if yuh doh have on yuh helmet,” she said firmly.

She described how dangerous it is to ride without head protection, highlighting the risk of debris hitting your face at high speeds and the potential for severe head injury in the event of a crash.

Porter Jones added that ensuring a helmet is certified is just as important as wearing one.

“Not all helmets are created equal. Some may look safe, but if they’re not certified, they won’t protect you the way they should.”

Porter Jones, who is lead for the National Helmet Wearing Coalition’s communication workstream, is committed to advocating for helmet safety as a female rider, especially given the fact that she has a daughter who also rides.

“One of the scariest things for me was when my daughter decided that she wanted to learn to ride and was going to take her bike to work every day,” she disclosed.

The conversation around women and motorcycles is evolving. More women are riding whether as pillions or as drivers, and with that change comes a shift in perception.

“All these ladies on the back of bikes with no helmets, we need to figure out how to change that narrative,” Porter Jones reflected.