We don’t spend all our time talking about periods, giving birth, body hair, sports bras or the complexities of finding a suitable bike seat (or life partner) but an all-female environment can provide a space for women to share experiences and gain support. And judging by the screams of laughter I hear when out riding with other women, everyone has a great deal of fun too.
“An all-female environment can provide a space for women to share experiences and gain support.”
We want to reach out to more women, at every stage of their cycling journey, so CTC has secured funds to run a series of ‘Learn then Ride’ session with the Edinburgh Belles. These sessions support women to gain confidence in safe space, improving their cycling skills until they can move onto cycle paths and them the road. One participant from our pilot last year told us
“The sessions have changed me from a very nervous rider, who basically can just turn the pedals and steer into someone who across those four sessions undertook a cycle home, including some road cycling. I cannot believe the transformation in such a short time. This was wholly due to the supportive and nurturing environment that was created. I have had cycle lessons in the past, they left me able to cycle but terrified, and took me years to actually get on the bike despite having learned. This experience has been amazing and opened up opportunities for me that wouldn’t have happened any other way.”
If you would like to set up a Belles on Bikes group in your area, please get in touch!
Suzanne is Head of Development Scotland for CTC, the national cycling charity. She got back on her bike with her son three years ago, and hasn’t looked back. As well as manging a range of cycling projects, she’s a founder of Women’s Cycle Forum and is a co-ordinator of the We Walk, We Cycle, We Vote campaign. In her spare time she gets out on her bike with her family, eats cake and irregularly writes a blog about family cycling.
CTC support a range of cycling opportunities, including Edinburgh All Ability Cycling Centre and Play on Pedals. Check out the CTC Scotland Facebook page for any upcoming events near you.
