Women get a day of emphasis during the annual Bike Walk Week, which is designed to get Twin Citians out of their cars. Women's Wednesday features events designed to promote cycling among women.

WHO'S RIDING TO WORK?

The latest rush-hour count of bike traffic in Minneapolis and St. Paul, conducted last September by Transit for Livable Communities, found that 72 percent of cyclists were men. That's consistent with national findings, according to event organizers.

WHY FEWER WOMEN?

Here's the guess of Marcy Levine, who has been commuting to her job at Freewheel Bike for more than 25 years: "For commuting purposes, there might be a little sort of cultural prettiness requirement that would require more dress-up clothing for work that would not be as bicycle-friendly. It might be a matter of a sense of personal safety. Some would apply to some riders and some would apply to others."

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY?

Two social rides for women are intended to mix experienced female cyclists with aspiring commuters. A 7 a.m. ride, starting at Dunn Bros, 4648 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, is billed as an easy ride on city streets and trails. Helmets are required. The evening ride leaves at 6, 7 or 8 p.m. from the Freewheel Midtown Bike Center, on the Midtown Greenway just east of Chicago Avenue S. in Minneapolis. It features the greenway and the connecting Hiawatha Trail, both off-road routes. A helmet and lights are required. Participants are encouraged by organizers to wear red clothing.

Organizers are also soliciting photos and videos of women biking for a collage.

MORE INFORMATION?

Go to www.bikewalkweek.org/women.

STEVE BRANDT