On your bikes: Why now is the best time for women to get cycling
Last updated 7/24/2009 2:23:00 PM
Photo © Jon Bewley. Sustrans
“There's no reason at all why you can't cycle in heels. It's easy! If
heels still don't appeal, then just pop a pair in your panniers or bag
and change out of your flats when you reach your destination.”
Unusual advice for the ladies from Sustrans, but it sounds fun.
Many women eagerly await summer time, so they can swap heavy coats for the latest summer fashion and the hottest swimwear on holiday.
It also means that they have to work hard to stay in shape to look great. This is the best time for women take up cycling.
I have committed to cycling last summer when I left a job that required me to commute 45 minutes by bus and train to work each day. I treated myself to a nice white Ridgeback Meteor.
12 months on, I feel that great.
Transport charity Sustrans has introduced a great initiative to keep ladies fit and lose weight through cycling whilst maintaining fashionable appearance.
In March, it launched www.bikebelles.org.uk, a new website packed with information on getting cycling, what to wear, where to go and how to do it.
Sustrans is trying to help women redress the cycling gender imbalance with activities designed to get more women on their bikes.
It is reported that barely one in 10 women cycle more than once a month. And while women are spending vast amounts of money trying to lose weight, many don't resort to the cheapest way of achieving this.
About 79% of British women mentioned safety issue, weather condition, old age, lack of fitness and motivation as reasons not to cycle.
In the Netherlands, women over 65 ride three times the distance of 19-year old British men.