Yesterday saw the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day pass – and that sparked British Cycling to call for the cycling gender gap to be closed.
Women’s participation in sport continues to be less than that of men, with only 13 per cent of women taking part in 30 minutes of sport three times a week compared to 20 per cent for men. British Cycling aims to help close the ‘cycling gap’ by introducing:
- The Women’s Network: In May, British Cycling will launch a unique network of local bike rides for women, making it easier for more women to get out on a casual group bike ride. The new network of women-only rides is all about bike riding for fun, in small sociable groups, on local, accessible routes. Local ride champions will help other women to enjoy the fun, fresh air and freedom offered by bikes rides. Support from Sport England’s Active Women fund is making this unique network possible. The first courses are in April. To find out more email [email protected]
- Cycletta: Supported by Sky and British Cycling,and with the backing of Olympic sprint champion Victoria Pendleton,Cycletta offers the opportunity for women to take part in a women-only sportive. These first two events will combine a sportive with female-focused entertainment and support including post-event massages. Cycletta North is in Cheshire on June 26, Cycletta South is in London on September 11. See www.cyletta.co.uk for more information.
- Coaching and Leadership: British Cycling is committed to growing the number of female coaches, trainers and leaders at all levels. A recent call for women to train as ride leader tutors was oversubscribed.
- Coaching and Leadership: British Cycling is committed to growing the number of female coaches, trainers and leaders at all levels. A recent call for women to train as ride leader tutors was oversubscribed.
- Partnerships: British Cycling works closely with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation and supports their work to encourage, enable and celebrate active women and girls. As the national governing body for cycling, British Cycling wants to work with range of partners who offer cycling opportunities, and create the conditions for more women and girls to get on their bikes. Partners include local authorities, health bodies, cycling clubs and groups and leading charities.
- British Cycling’s Go-Ride initiative: Go-Ride provides cycling opportunities for under-16s and is equally popular with girls and boys. At the elite end of the sport, British women are the best in the world.
British Cycling’s director of recreation and partnerships Stewart Kellett said: “Almost three times as many men as women take part in regular recreational cycling and this gap is getting larger as male participation continues to increase.
“With the resources British Cycling has at our disposal and our track record of delivering successful recreational programmes such as Sky Ride, we are more than hopeful that our initiatives will make a big difference to the ‘cycling gap’.
“We have a great understanding of what works, how to respond to customers, and how to help get new women into bike riding.”
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