Getting England's women cycling

British Cycling's biggest-ever programme to get women to ride bikes for fun.

While cycling is becoming more and more popular in the UK, the proportion of women getting involved is actually declining.

Through their Breeze network a British Cycling  initiative aims to help thousands of women feel confident and comfortable about going on a ride.

Breeze has spoken to lots of women and done research to understand the reasons why more women aren’t cycling and they include lack of time and confidence and not feeling safe riding a bike.

So Breeze is going to try and provide as many cycling opportunities as they can in a nurturing and friendly environment.

They currently run about 200 bike rides for women each week; their website shows women how to find their nearest ride and hook up with a local cycling buddy.

Breeze currently has a network of over 1,000 volunteer champions - women who organise fun, social, local bike rides for women.

Rides go at a speed that suits everyone, and they often start or finish at a cafe so everyone can have a drink and a chat.

Breeze is looking for more Breeze champions across the country. They are looking for enthusiastic people to get involved in the Breeze network and inspire women to get more out of their bike, have fun with friends and get a recognised qualification at the same time.

There is no need to be a cycling expert – just be confident on a bike and keen to help others.

To become a Breeze champion you will take part in a fun one-day ride leadership course where you will have a chance to meet other Breeze champions and gain a certificate which qualifies you to independently plan, deliver and promote rides to groups of women,.

Breeze will provide you with kit, British Cycling Ride membership and plenty of support.

Furthermore, to ensure you are able to run safe bike rides, British Cycling will help you get a first aid qualification.

In return they ask champions to deliver on average 12 rides over the year to local women in their area.

A course will take place in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, on 12 October; to apply, fill in this form and contact Breeze.

Breeze has also been trying to make bikes more accessible to women, through hire schemes and female-friendly bike shops.

And the sustrans website is still offering advice.

Story published on Women's Views on News, 8 October 2013.