Welsh Cycling has today announced plans to develop a women’s cycling programme, SheCycles Wales, to give women and girls more opportunities to cycle.

As one of ten recipients of the Sport Wales Calls4Action investment, Welsh Cycling will extend its support for women and girls in Wales. SheCycles Wales aims to:

• Provide more than 10,000 opportunities for women and girls to cycle
• Develop a pathway to engage women and girls from social riding to taking the first steps in to competitive cycling
• Extend the British Cycling Breeze Network across Wales

Georgina Harper, National Development Manager for Welsh Cycling said: “We are ecstatic to have been successful in our Calls4Action bid, and with the help of Sport Wales, British Cycling and our partners throughout Wales we can’t wait to roll out SheCycles Wales.

“It is an exciting time to get involved with cycling. We have already seen increased interest from cycling clubs in Wales who want to be part of SheCycles Wales and encourage women to cycle. There are thousands of opportunities available to women and girls across the country, so I would encourage everyone to get on your bike and get involved.”

After a successful pilot of the British Cycling Breeze Network in South East Wales, the programme will now expand across Wales, working with a range of partner organisations, to provide opportunities for women and girls from the age of 11. The fun, free and safe bike rides led by qualified Breeze Champions will enable women and girls to feel confident and comfortable about going on a bike ride.

SheCycles Wales will provide more than 10,000 opportunities for women and girls to ride their bikes, whilst developing a pathway to allow women and girls to get involved with cycling at all levels. From riding socially with friends, to taking their first steps into competitive cycling at Go Race events, to coaching other cyclists in Wales.

Adele Baumgardt, Vice-Chair of Sport Wales said: “We have an unshakeable commitment to tackle inequality in Welsh sport. We know it’s not just a Welsh issue but we will not sit back and accept it because sport should be for everyone, regardless of their background.

“A key consideration for us was the infrastructure we could put in place for long-term benefit. Estimates that around 1,700 leaders, coaches and volunteers will be recruited and trained to deliver sessions will provide a lasting legacy of the investment we are making.”

Follow SheCycles Wales on Facebook and Twitter, or to find out more information email cat.crimmins@welshcycling.co.uk

To find your local Breeze Bike Ride visit www.breezebikerides.com