The experiences of 121 women cyclists, ranging from teenagers to individuals in their 80s, have been highlighted through a new survey.
Bike Worcester's first ever survey looked into why women cyclists enjoy pedalling around Worcester.
The women share their reasons for cycling, their path into it, favourite routes, any barriers encountered, and how they overcame them.
From the survey responses, Bike Worcester has created a photo wall on their website, which shares each woman’s stories of cycling.
The group has organised the Critical Mass slow Bike Ride on Saturday, March 16.
The ride will commence from Café Viaduct at 10.15am, with women cyclists leading out.
Bike Worcester volunteer, Chantal Pottage, said: "We want to support, include and inspire more women and girls to use a bike to get around, whether that’s returning after a gap, or learning to ride a bike for the first time.
"As part of this support, we invite women to come along to the Critical Mass Bike Ride, to learn to ride slowly and safely as part of a group.
"Volunteers will be on hand with advice, before and after the ride, to talk to anyone who is thinking about or would like to get back into cycling."
Christine Armstrong, a keen cyclist, advised women to "try riding your bike in a safe place first, and don’t worry about what others think", while Cathy Dakin, 53, urged women to "just go for it, your confidence will grow".
For 2024, Bike Worcester is prepping an array of programmes designed to dismantle any hurdles hindering women cyclists.
This includes a women-only bike maintenance evening, and a women's cycling familiarisation event, particularly geared towards assisting those who haven't cycled for a while.
Worcester City Council's launch of the Beryl Bikes bike hire scheme is set for June.
St John’s resident, Emily Colborne, said: "I enjoy the exercise and freedom that riding a bike gives me.
"It feels good for all of us to get air and headspace at the start and end of each school day.
"I also love our family bike rides with the boys."
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