Cycling is often associated with freedom, physical effort and the pleasure of riding. But for some women, it can cause a much more unexpected sensation. A study carried out by JOYclub.fr, the first sex-positive community in Europe, reveals that a significant proportion of female cyclists have already reached orgasm while pedaling, a phenomenon still little known to the general public.
“Velorgasm”, a reality more widespread than we imagine
The survey was carried out among 2,255 women cyclists who are members of JOYclub.fr, a platform which brings together more than six million people in Europe. According to the results, 11.8% of the women surveyed said they had already reached orgasm while cycling, or around one in nine women. In Switzerland, this phenomenon even has a name: “velorgasm”.
For the majority of women affected, this experience remains occasional or rare. Only 6.6% say they enjoy cycling frequently. Conversely, 41.6% speak of a one-off episode and 51.4% believe that this has only happened to them rarely. In many cases, orgasm occurs by surprise, without anticipation or particular intention.
Type of bike and terrain, determining factors
The material and the environment play a central role in the appearance of these sensations. The figures show that mountain biking clearly stands out: 19.8% of mountain bikers say they have already experienced an orgasm while cycling. On a city, touring, electric or racing bike, the proportion drops to around one in ten women.
The terrain seems even more decisive than the type of bike. Rough paths, and especially gravel paths, greatly increase the chances. Nearly 29.5% of cyclists who regularly ride on this type of terrain say they have felt intense pleasure there. One of the participants testifies: “On uneven terrain with many small potholes, I came to orgasm – without having thought about sexual things before“.
Between surprise, fantasies and diversity of sensations
Women describe orgasm on a bike in very varied ways. Some speak of an experience “enjoyable“, others call it “exciting“, but also of “dangerous” due to the context. The sensations can be brief and intense or, on the contrary, more profound and lasting, depending on the testimonies collected.
If surprise is frequent, fantasies are not absent. “Some of the women surveyed were surprised by their cycling orgasm, but 59.3% also mentioned that their fantasies accompanied the experience“, explains Judith Langer, sexologist and communications manager at JOYclub.fr.
Even among women who have never reached orgasm while cycling, the excitement is not non-existent. Among them, 50.6% say they have felt rare or occasional excitement while cycling, while 6% speak of frequent or constant excitement. Finally, 16.9% of the women surveyed admitted to having intentionally tried to induce an orgasm by focusing on their sensations while they were riding.