Christine Bleakley wants to get more women on their bikes
Cycling is a great way of keeping fit and getting around, but there are less women than men doing it. Christine Bleakley is encouraging us to get on our bikes.
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 of women say they would cycle if they felt more confident on the roads whereas this is much less of a concern for men.
To help encourage female cyclists Barclays has commissioned a series of videos full of tips and information, presented by keen cyclist and TV personality, Christine Bleakley, called, ‘Cycling and the City’.
Commenting on the launch of the videos, Christine 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.”
‘Cycling and the City’ provides essential tips for riders in four bite-sized films:
1) Get on your Bike: Why you should feel inspired to take up cycling in London.
2) DIY Cycle Safety: Seven simple bike maintenance checks you can make to feel secure before you get on the road.
3) 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.
4) The Road to Safer Cycling: All you need to know to be fully road aware with important safety guidance from the charity, Brake.
David Wheldon, Barclays Managing Director of Brand, Reputation and Citizenship 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.”
The videos are available to view at youtube.com/Barclayscycling.
Tagged in Christine Bleakley Cycling fitness tips