Since Bradley Wiggins et al stormed the Olympics this summer, cycling in the UK has grown more and more popular. But the proportion of women out on bikes has actually declined. Now a national programme called Breeze is aiming to get more females riding for fun.
In the New Year, Salford is joining the programme with free Learn To Ride courses for beginners and beyond at Winton Park, plus organised rides across the city. The Bikeability courses are being led by Christine Barker…
"I am a British Cycle Breeze Leader which, in short, means I lead rides in the Salford area for women only" she says "I enjoy riding on the roads mostly and have been riding a bike since I was very young. The majority of my lead rides have been along the Worsley Canal to the Moorings, traffic free routes to the Imperial War Museum North and also to the Salford Quays and to Little Hulton.
"I ride because I enjoy it" she adds "I lead rides as some women feel more comfortable in a group setting and if I can help just one person get on their bike and enjoy the freedom of riding that's my feel good factor for the day. It's a joy for me to be apart of it."
The free courses confirmed for the New Year are…
Learn To Ride Level 1 and Level 2
Winton Park, Dover Street, Winton, M30 8LW
2nd, 3rd and 4th January 2013. 10am - 3pm
12th, 19th and 26th January 2013, 10am - 3pm
2nd, 9th and 23rd February 2013. 10am - 3pm
Winton Park, Dover Street, Winton, M30 8LW
Learn To Ride Level 1 and Level 2
Winton Park, Dover Street, Winton, M30 8LW
2nd, 9th and 16th March 2013. 10am - 3pm
To sign up for a course or to find out further information contact Christine on 0754524180 or e-mail breezenetworksalford@gmail.com
To register online or find out more about the national Breeze programme see www.breezebikerides.com or click here