Girls on Bikes
A growing community making cycling safer, more accessible and more inclusive for women, through beginner lessons and social rides across Joburg. For now.
Girls On Bikes is a registered NPC founded by Karabo Mashele in 2023, born from a simple observation: we need more girls on bikes.
But there was one challenge. Many women were curious about cycling, yet felt intimidated by it. Some had never learned to ride, while others hadn't been on a bicycle since childhood. What began as a small social ride in the heart of Braamfontein, Johannesburg, quickly revealed a need for something bigger: a space where every woman could feel welcome, regardless of her experience level. Through thoughtful planning, beginner-friendly lessons, and community-led rides, we created a way for everyone to be included.
Today, Girls On Bikes is a thriving community built on sisterhood, courage, and connection. It's a place for women looking to make new friends, spend more time outdoors and try something that scares them, in the best possible way.
"You know the feeling you get in the girls' bathroom when complete strangers hype each other up? That's the exact energy we bring to every ride."
From Saturday social rides to birthday celebrations and Women's Day events, every pedal is a chance to grow, connect, and have fun.
Twice a month, we bring the girls together for an easy-paced ride through Johannesburg. Starting from our home base at 44 Stanley or a rotating location around the city, our social rides cover between 10km and 20km and are designed for connection as much as cycling. Once the ride is done, the fun continues over brunch or a well-deserved toast, because some of the best conversations happen after the ride.
R250 with bike and helmet hire. R50 when you bring your own bike.
It's never too late to learn how to ride a bicycle. Whether you're starting from scratch or rebuilding confidence after years away from a bike, our beginner-friendly lessons are designed to meet you where you are. We offer 3, 5, 7, and 10-lesson packages at 44 Stanley. Each session is approximately one hour long and includes bike and helmet hire, so all you need to do is show up.
To book, email hello@girlzonbikes.org
While cycling brings us together, the community extends far beyond the ride. Throughout the year, we create experiences that celebrate creativity, wellness, connection, and giving back, from sip-and-paint sessions, gallery visits, and yoga or Pilates classes to our birthday celebration. We also use our platform to support causes that matter, whether through sanitary pad drives, donation campaigns, or partnerships with organisations making a meaningful impact.
Never too late!
A big part of building our community is making cycling accessible to everyone, no matter where they're starting from. Whether you're looking for a quick refresher, getting comfortable on a new geared bike, or returning to cycling after many years, our lesson packages are designed to meet you where you are.
We also welcome young riders aged 7–17 years, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Riders between the ages of 7 and 11 will need to bring their own bikes, while we may be able to accommodate older teens depending on their height.
Every lesson is approximately one hour long and is designed to help you build confidence, one pedal stroke at a time.
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Helmets on!
Every ride begins with a safety briefing from Karabo. We live in Joburg, and while we love our city, we know that navigating broken glass, potholes, uneven roads, and busy streets requires us to look out for one another. We'll also go through hand signals and riding formations before setting off.
