Cycling Events for Women in Exeter

Devon County Council’s Cycle Exeter project is embarking on an ambitious new initiative aimed at getting women on their bikes, as part of National Bike Week (19 – 27 June).

Research shows that only 40% of women in Exeter currently cycle, compared with 70% of men. The campaign will aim to address that imbalance and show women that cycling is the perfect way to stay healthy.

To encourage more women to take to two wheels, the ‘Saddle up for Summer’ campaign is being launched on Saturday 26 June with a pop-up bike boutique in Princesshay between 11am – 4pm, where women can check out the latest bicycles and sign up to cycle confidence training run by women, for women. There will also be the chance to get free cycling hair and makeup makeovers with the help of the Body Shop and NV Hair Design.

The boutique will be offering giveaways and the first 30 women to sign up for free cycle training will receive free reflective wrist cuffs by designer cycle range Cyclodelic.

Cycle Exeter project officer, Heather Baker, says:

"Saddle up for Summer will address many of the concerns that stop women cycling - such as helmet hair, looking good and feeling intimidated in bike shops - as well as riding in traffic and fitness concerns. Cycle clothing and accessories are much more stylish these days, but the great thing is you don’t have to buy anything new. All you need are comfy clothes and suitable footwear.

"We can offer one-to-one training by female instructors or group training. 80% of people who attend our group training sessions are women, so many women are keen to brush up on their cycling skills, but we want to encourage more to come along to help them build up their confidence and their fitness."

Kiri Bowman, a student at the University of Exeter, says: "I have a car but I only use it if something’s far away. It's quicker on a bike, I love missing all the traffic. If I move to another city after uni, I'll definitely have a bike. Why drive when you can cycle?"

A free magazine, ‘Freedom’, has been produced which provides a simple guide on what you need to get started, alongside advice about what to wear and how to gain confidence. Exeter’s bike shops are backing the campaign and will be distributing the magazines.

As well as the magazine, dedicated pages have been created at www.devon.gov.uk/cycleexeter providing women with advice on cycling more and tips on getting started.

Saddle up for Summer is also supported by businesses throughout Exeter including Fulfords Estate Agents, Otto Retro, HQ Hair and Erin Cox Design who have all pledged to encourage female staff to cycle more.

To show their support for the campaign, women across Exeter will be asked to sign the Cycle Exeter pledge to cycle more to help reach the target of doubling the number of cycling trips by 2011 at www.devon.gov.uk/cycleexeter

Devon County Council Press Releases, 23/6/2010

---

Share link: