Over the last two years Bynea’s cycling club female membership has grown from a quarter of the club membership of over 200 members.
Originally the group evolved from Breeze Carmarthenshire and Swansea. Many remain within the Breeze Program as leaders, with some combining Breeze rides as well getting out with the club.
One of the leading females within the club is Trish Butcher. Trish, joined Bynea Cycling Club so that she could become a better cyclist. Having been a Breeze leader within the Carmarthenshire Program she noticed she was often the only female rider on club runs, so she set up a ladies only ride and WhatsApp support group, where women could discuss their concerns or plan a ride together when they were free.
It has become a rapid success and the club’s female members have since increased. In July 2019 she received an award at Westminster Parliament recognising her work increasing female cycling as ‘Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling 2019’.
It’s been great to see the progression, many were novice riders two years ago, but now they lead club runs with confidence. Having seen and learning from others, sharing concerns and experience has eased them into riding with the club and making new friends. They run female rides once a month, usually the first Saturday of the month, in addition to all the all club rides on both Saturday and Sunday. Within the mixed club runs, occasionally females are greater represented than males.
The female membership has grown mainly through face-to-face contact, either by recommendation of a friend or by meeting and talking to likeminded women in events, such as local events or sportifs. Across the board there is a wide range of female age groups with their youngest female member in primary school whilst the elders enjoy the popular Wednesday ‘Silver Surfers Ride’.
Some have progressed from being a novice rider to recreational riders now competing in events. Many compete in the club’s weekly time trials. While some compete in open events all over the country. Mandy Lane is one of those riders who is new to competing and in 2019 she broke most of the club records.
During 2019 the club promoted a Go Race series for both males and females on the Closed Road Circuit at Pembrey Country Park. This was again supported by club members and further Go Races are being promoted for both males and females in 2020.
Thinking of joining the club? Pop to the Club house on a Wednesday evenings between 7.30pm – 9.30pm, or find out more on the clubs profile page - Bynea Cycling Club
Alternatively, contact Aled Jones, Cycling Development Officer within the West Area – aled.jones@welshcycling.co.uk who can introduce you to the club.
To find out about a local suitable club for you use our Club finder tool or feel free to contact your local Cycling Development Officer.
Download our Women & Girls Club Toolkit and help your club to grow
Cycling Development Officer South East Wales
Dan Coast - 07872 149 385 | dan.coast@welshcycling.co.uk
Cycling Development Officer South West Wales
Aled Jones 07725 639662 | aled.jones@welshcycling.co.uk
Cycling Development Officer North Wales
Ann (Eirwen) Williams 07739 277334 | eirwen.williams@welshcycling.co.uk
Cycling Development Officer North Wales
Laura Twohig 07850 937 848 | laura.twohig@welshcycling.co.uk
