Bonnie Explores the Power of One Woman’s Vision in Cycling
Words by, Mia de Paula
A new documentary titled Bonnie A film about what it takes to make a difference for women in cycling is making waves in the cycling world, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of Bonnie Tu, a trailblazing pioneer who has dedicated her life to creating space for women in the cycling industry.
The film tells Bonnie’s remarkable story as an executive at a major bike company who, at the age of 57, decided to “take cycling seriously”, ultimately inspiring a movement for gender equity in the sport. It’s a story achieved through perseverance and sheer force of will.
Bonnie’s journey began in 2007 when she decided to accompany Giant’s founder on a ride around Taiwan. Despite being an industry executive at Giant, Bonnie struggled to find a bike and apparel that fit her properly—an experience many women in cycling can relate to, to this day.
Recognizing the industry’s gender gap, Bonnie set out to create a new paradigm in women’s cycling products. Her vision wasn’t just about “shrinking and pinking” men’s bikes; it was about designing bikes that genuinely fit women’s bodies. As she put it, “Women’s bike isn’t about taking a man’s bike, shrinking it, and pinking it. It’s about designing with women’s geometry and keeping women in mind.”
Bonnie reveals not only her journey but also the ongoing struggle for women’s representation in the bike industry, a sentiment echoed by Cassondra Spring, a leader in the cycling community. Cassondra shared, “The bike industry often operates on, ‘We’ve always done it this way,’ but why? That’s what we want to change.” This reflects the broader push for inclusivity and understanding what Bonnie’s legacy stands for.
The film dives into Bonnie’s role in founding Liv, a brand designed to make women feel comfortable in bike shops and beyond. Liv has challenged the industry’s male-dominated past by creating products, and spaces, for women.
Elizabeth Walker, team manager for Liv Racing, notes that while cycling has existed for over a century, its infrastructure wasn’t built with women and underrepresented populations in mind—a gap Bonnie and so many women in the industry, like Kate Veronneau, Rachael Burnside, Cassondra Spring, Katie Holden, Rebecca Rush, among so many others, are working to close.
Bonnie’s impact extends beyond products. She has cultivated a community where women can grow as leaders and decision-makers within the industry. Her efforts culminated in a historic moment in 2022 when, at 72 years old, Bonnie rode in the first Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to women’s visibility in the sport.
This documentary has resonated deeply with me as someone who continues to fight for equal representation in mountain biking. Watching Bonnie’s journey, I found myself getting emotional—it was a powerful reminder of the persistent struggle to prove women’s value in this sport and to secure a rightful place at the table. Bonnie’s story mirrors the challenges we face today, from justifying the need for women’s spaces in sports to advocating for products that fit us. It mirrors the reason I started the Women’s MTB Network. Seeing her legacy unfold has reshaped my view of Liv and its mission. To me, mountain biking has never been solely about speed, or jumps; it’s about having fun on the bike and creating space for others to experience that joy too.
Through Bonnie, audiences are reminded of both how far we’ve come and how much further there is to go in making cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone. As Bonnie herself says, “Riding is a joyful experience. It’s not how fast you can ride or how good your skill is, it is can you enjoy the ride?” This film not only celebrates a pioneering spirit but also highlights the need for a path forward for women in cycling—one that’s inclusive, supportive, and inspiring.
You can watch Bonnie below, or on Liv’s YouTube channel.
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