A community-based club, Penge Cycle Club is run by volunteers and offers rides for adults, children and families of all abilities.

The group’s three founders were all local, keen cyclists and parents, so set about developing their initial HSBC UK Go-Ride club to ensure it appealed to all sections of the community.

The club’s secretary, Louisa Harding, says:

“It was a natural progression to branch out and offer family and adult rides. Just over two years ago, we began women-only rides, and we’ve got three HSBC UK Breeze champions at the club, who organise beginner rides for women.

“Every year as part of the Penge Festival we host our ‘Tour de Penge’ – a great family and social ride which attracts over 300 riders of all ages to cycle to Greenwich and back.”

The club, based in south east London, now boasts over 200 members, and Louisa believes that the set-up at Penge particularly appeals to female riders.

She adds:

“Our club is very relaxed and welcoming, particularly to women. I’d encourage any woman who’s interested in taking up cycling to get in contact with their local club and ask as many questions as they can.

“The more info you can share about yourself, the easier it is for the club to place you in the right group for you from the start. From the club’s response you can get a good idea of whether the club seems right for you before you ride with them.”