Cycling UK is championing women in cycling this July as its Women’s Festival of Cycling campaign takes to the saddle. The festival will celebrate, support and promote women in cycling and includes a variety of rides and cycling activities for women, both on and off-road.

By inspiring more women to cycle for their mental and physical wellbeing, as well as for friendship and fun, Cycling UK aims to raise the profile of women in cycling, whilst celebrating those who have already made a big impact by encouraging more women to get involved in rides.

Despite Cycling UK having lots of active cycling groups that cater for both men and women, with many groups also offering female-specific rides, there are still identifiable barriers that inhibit many women from trying out or continuing cycling. These can include a fear of riding on roads due to perceived dangers, a lack of confidence in their own riding ability, and psychological and physical health conditions that affect a large proportion of women, such as depression, anxiety, arthritis and osteoporosis.

“We realised that by creating the right conditions for female cyclists, it is possible for many more women to enjoy cycling as a recreational, healthy and useful activity.” – Julie Rand, Women’s Festival of Cycling Coordinator

In addition, there are lots of women who act as role models and advocates of cycling every day – from those on the international cycling stage right through to changing everyday cycling conditions in local communities – and the charity’s Women’s Festival of Cycling provides a great opportunity to recognise them through their 100 Women in Cycling list. Launching at a prestigious event in Birmingham on Monday 10 July, 100 inspiring women in cycling from around the world will be celebrated. Speakers already confirmed for the event are:

Ayesha McGowan – Professional Road Cyclist and Campaigner
Emily Chappell – Cycle Adventurer and Writer, Director of The Adventure Syndicate
Jaki Lowe – Vice Chair of Cycling UK
Joy Anibaba – Founder of Joyful Bellas and Fellas Community Cycling Club in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Cycling UK is calling on more women to get involved by joining a group cycle ride, getting a group together to encourage cycling for women in their local communities, or by just digging out their bike and going for a ride with a friend or two.

If getting out on your bike in glorious weather wasn’t enough of an incentive, there are also some great goodie bags to be had for those who register their participation! To register your ride, sign up for an event or find out more visit the website here.