Just two per cent of women nationally cycle once a week compared to six per cent of men.
The actual number of women cycling once per week has decreased by more than 29,000 during the last three years!
Now, in a bid to change direction and ‘wheelie’ try and get more women active Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Active Living Team, in partnership with Wigan Council's Local Transport Planning and Road Safety Group, has organised a new series of female only cycle rides.
Active Living Officer, Alison Griffin, said: “Our Heels on Wheels pilot aims to encourage women to start cycling in a safe, traffic-free environment with like-minded females, with support from female instructors to give them increased confidence to cycle more often and even use as an alternative to the car. We also plan to deliver a short maintenance workshop within the pilot which will cover the basics, including how to change a tyre and what to do if the chain falls off.”
The scheme is already running at Three Sisters Recreation Area, Ashton-in-Makerfield and a new session at St Peter’s Pavilion, Hindley has also been set up. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes but there are a limited number available to hire.
Booking is essential. For information, or to book, contact Active Living Team on 01942 488481 or visit the Active Living (external link) webpage.
