Cycling columnist Bob Munro finds out how British Cycling Breeze is making it easier for women to get on their bike – you might even say it's a breeze...
The British Cycling Breeze initiative, which aims to have a million more women cycling for pleasure by 2020, saw Countdown presenter Rachel Riley lead a mass participation event from Windsor Racecourse in August. It was one of three events nationwide publicising the fun, award-winning programme designed to help women feel confident about riding a bike.
The Breeze network has over a thousand passionate and enthusiastic ‘champions’ – female volunteers who organise hundreds of free bike rides throughout Britain every week.
“The biggest fears for female riders are traffic, not being fit enough for longer rides and the prospect of joining a club, which can be hugely intimidating,” says Vikki Butcher, one of Berkshire’s 20 champions, from Windsor club 700cc. “Breeze offers everything from park rides on hybrids to road cycling. You get used to longer distances and group rides, but with no more than seven riders per champion.”
Many women, like local resident Fiona Andrews, later graduate to a female friendly club such as 700cc (30% female membership).
“The biggest thing was gaining confidence on the road and learning the etiquette and safety aspects of group cycling,” she says.
During the summer, their website lists almost 200 bike rides for women each week. Rides go at manageable speed, often starting or finishing at a café.
Check the Go Sky Ride website for details
