Dykes on Bikes: ‘bad girls’ do good deeds in Pittsburgh

by Kathryn Opalewski

Remember the stereotypical woman riding on the back of her man’s bike? Well, things have changed and that stereotype is history.

Today’s biker chick is said to be a smart, sexy, independent and accomplished woman who loves to ride her own bike or on the back of her woman’s bike.

Take Miranda Vey from Pittsburgh, for example. She may be a “bad girl,” but she is spending her time doing a lot of good for the LGBT community.

Vey, on her Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom 2008, has lead the Pittsburgh Pride Fest parade alongside other avid biker chicks for the last two years.

“It’s actually really pretty cool,” says Vey, 37, a financial controller for a software company. “It’s kind of a rush.”

And it was during last year’s parade, in June 2008, when a conversation over breakfast—in between cleaning their chrome—that Vey and her fellow riders decided it was time to take themselves a bit more seriously.

By December 2008, it was official. Vey founded the local chapter of Pittsburgh Dykes on Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent—an organization committed to creating a regional community of women motorcyclists and friends of women motorcyclists.

The chapter’s mission is to support philanthropic endeavors in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and women's communities and beyond, and reach out to empower a community of diverse women through rides, charity events, Pride events and education.

“Why shouldn’t we be official? We thought how great it would be to have our own colors and be a biker group like any other organization,” says Vey, adding that they’re working with the main chapter of San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent and will be functioning as a chapter of the international organization. Also, they are a non-profit group working toward their 501(c)(3) structure.

“The main chapter has been a great support, giving us all the tools we need to succeed in helping promote our community and be visible and positive role models,” she says.

There are about 14 members or patch holders in the organization. Vey says the local chapter has earned their Dykes on Bikes colors and will be getting the original San Francisco patch for their members to wear.

“We can take as many members as we want,” she says. “But to be a full member, you have to be a biker and ride with us, come to and work at events, and hold true to what our organization is all about.”

Just under a year old, Pittsburgh Dykes on Bikes is working hard to establish a reputation. In addition to hosting a fundraiser to cover start up costs and obtain seed money, Vey helped organized a butch/femme party, raising more than $600 for the Dyke March parade and activities.

But Vey thinks it should go beyond that.

“It’s about important protections for our community,” she says in regard to their efforts to help pass Pennsylvania House Bill 300, which protects people who live or work in Pennsylvania from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations.

Pittsburgh Dykes on Bikes held a petitioning party at Cattivo Restaurant and Bar to help the Stonewall Democrats get 60 letters of support by giving away a free Jello shot or a non-alcoholic consumable in return for a personal letter to their state representative.

“We do OK, and try to make sure we do some fun things for a good cause,” says Vey.

Currently, Pittsburgh Dykes on Bikes is planning future charity fundraisers, including their first annual LGBT bike run out to the Link Bar for a pre-pride ride.

Vey has received several emails of interest asking whether or not being a lesbian is a requirement.

“Certainly not, and anybody is welcome to be a part of our family,” she says about the organization’s need for supporters. “Many bi-sexual women have said this is the first time they felt like they actually had a place to feel safe, like they belong. That means a lot to me.”

Vey adds, “Overall women are not accepted in the biker community, but people are changing. Sure, we get some weird looks when people see two chicks on a bike, but we just try to look mean, like we belong there. Because we do.”

For more information about Pittsburgh Dykes on Bikes® or to participate in future events, visit http://pittsburghdykesonbikes.ning.com/.