NBDA’s Women in the Bicycle Industry (WIBI) Program Hosts Successful First Annual In-Person Gathering in Chicago

Chicago, IL – September 23, 2025 – The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) successfully hosted its inaugural Women in the Bicycle Industry (WIBI) in-person gathering on September 20th in Chicago, Illinois. The event brought together women from across the cycling industry, including retailers, suppliers, and advocates, marking a significant milestone for the four-month-old program that has already grown to over 100 registered members.

Industry Leaders Unite for Professional Development and Community Building

The Chicago gathering featured participants from diverse segments of the bicycle industry, from bike shop owners and mechanics and supplier representatives. Attendees engaged in facilitated discussions covering critical industry topics including recruitment strategies, professional development, mentorship opportunities, and overcoming barriers to women’s advancement in cycling.

Key discussion themes included:

• New Rider Recruitment: Strategies to bring more women and underrepresented groups into cycling, with emphasis on community-based approaches and infrastructure advocacy
• Professional Development: Addressing skill gaps, barriers to training opportunities, and career advancement pathways for women in the industry
• Workplace Culture: Creating more inclusive environments and supporting women’s leadership in cycling businesses
• Industry Barriers: Tackling challenges  including the “boys club” mentality, pay equity, and credibility issues faced by women professionals

Mentorship Program Shows Early Success

The WIBI mentorship program has already facilitated successful matches between industry veterans and newcomers. One notable pairing connected a professional seeking nonprofit advocacy experience with a mentor who has 20 years of experience transitioning from bike shops to nonprofit cooperatives to advocacy organizations.

“The response has been incredible,” said Megan Schmidt, NBDA Programs Coordinator and WIBI lead. “In just four weeks of launching, we saw 100 people register on our website, which tells us this program addresses a real need in our industry. The enthusiasm and engagement at our first in-person gathering confirms that women in cycling are ready to support each other and drive positive change in our industry.”

Expanding Reach and Building Community

Participants represented various career stages and industry segments, from seasoned shop owners who have built successful businesses from the ground up to newcomers finding their place in cycling. The gathering highlighted the diverse pathways women take into the industry and the unique perspectives they bring to cycling businesses and advocacy.

The event featured SWOT analysis sessions where participants identified strengths women bring to the industry, including natural empathy, creative problem-solving, and strong customer relationship skills. Discussions also identified several emerging opportunities for women in cycling, including the growing eBike diagnostics field, increased access to direct manufacturing for custom products, creative entrepreneurship in handmade cycling goods, and the development of inclusive advocacy programs that serve broader communities.

Participants shared successful initiatives they’ve implemented in their businesses, including monthly “fix a flat” clinics that empower women riders, inclusive group ride programming for different skill levels, and innovative approaches to serving communities that have traditionally faced barriers to cycling participation.

Looking Forward: 2025 and Beyond

Building on the success of the Chicago gathering, NBDA announced plans to expand WIBI programming significantly in 2025:

• CABDA Integration: WIBI gatherings will be hosted at all CABDA trade shows in 2026
• Summit Expansion: In-person WIBI events will be featured at NBDA Summit events throughout 2026
• Chapter Development: The program is actively seeking women bike shop owners interested in hosting local WIBI chapters or regional gatherings
• Virtual Programming: Continued virtual events and online community building to connect women across North America

Women interested in joining the WIBI community or learning about mentorship opportunities can sign up online. The program welcomes all women and those who identify as women in the bicycle industry.

Partnership Opportunities

The NBDA continues to seek brand partners to support the expanding WIBI program and its mission to advance women’s participation and leadership in the bicycle industry.

About WIBI: The Women in the Bicycle Industry program, launched by the NBDA in 2024, focuses on five core pillars: recruitment, mentorship, professional development, community building, and celebration of women’s achievements in cycling.