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Hot on the heels of the launch of British Cycling’s programme to get a million more women cycling, London bike hire and Super Cyclehighway sponsor Barclays has released a number of videos designed to encourage women to take to pedals.
Hosted by TV presenter and keen cyclist Christine Bleakley, the ‘Cycling and the City’ videos includes tips and information, including this one where Bleakley interviews female-focused retailer Caz Nicklin of Cycle Chic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enAREKg_EpA
The ‘Cycling and the City’ series includes four short films:
- Get on your Bike: Why you should feel inspired to take up cycling in London.
- DIY Cycle Safety: Seven simple bike maintenance checks you can make to feel secure before you get on the road.
- Spin in Style: Cycling doesn’t have to be all about lycra; a look at some of the most stylish cycling accessories on the market from London’s most fashionable cyclist, Caz Nicklin from Cycle Chic.
- The Road to Safer Cycling: All you need to know to be fully road aware with important safety guidance from the charity, Brake.
Bleakley said: “As with many things, confidence is all important, and the thought of cycling in London was a barrier I needed to get past. Knowledge and information were key to me: what are the rules of the road; how do I cycle safely; how do I maintain my bike? Simple stuff, but hopefully the Barclays Cycling and the City videos will help share some key information and encourage female cyclists. I now feel much more comfortable riding on busier roads and I love the freedom cycling gives me.”
The number of cyclists on London roads has more than doubled in the past decade, but women still make up a smaller proportion of journeys by bike than men at just a third of the total. Research shows that over half (51 per cent) of women say they would cycle if they felt more confident on the roads whereas this is much less of a concern for men (33 per cent).
Barclays MD of Brand, Reputation and Citizenship David Wheldon said: “Londoners and visitors have quickly taken to Barclays Cycle Hire and Barclays Cycle Superhighways since their launch just under three years ago, and it’s now difficult to imagine the capital without the iconic bikes and cycle lanes. More and more people are using two wheels, but the level of uptake of cycling is still relatively low among women. We hope ‘Cycling and the City’ will remedy that, and encourage more to take up this healthy and cost-effective activity.”
