The Scottish Cycling Women’s Development group focuses on the development and growth of female cycling, with the aim of achieving gender parity across all aspects of the sport.
Women make up half of the population, but continue to be seriously underrepresented within cycling. Research indicates that two thirds of frequent cyclists in Britain are men (69%)*. Within our own membership, only 17% are women**. We want to change these statistics and we need everyone’s help to do this.
The Women’s Development group provides a forum for discussing ideas and sharing good practice, developing new initiatives and reflecting on recent projects. The group considers a wide range of areas that can make a difference to increasing women’s participation in cycling and serving the sport. Highlights include:
Communication
Contributing to campaigns, such as the British Cycling #OneInAMillion initiative, discussing ideas for events such as International Women’s Day, Women and Girls in Sport Week
Competitive cycling
Supporting the development and delivery of ‘Get into Racing’ workshops, held across the country in 201
Coaching and education
Considering initiatives such as the Mountain Bike Leadership Level 2 Award bursary scheme
Officials + volunteers
Identifying case studies to provide information and promote these roles to women
Participation programmes
Contributing to the development of Breeze
Membership
The group meets four times per year and meetings are chaired by Melanie Toner, Scottish Cycling Participation Programmes Officer, who oversees the HSBC UK Breeze programme, our initiative to support more women into cycling. Other members are women with experience of competing, coaching and officiating, Scottish Cycling’s Head of Development and staff from Events and Communication and Marketing:
Mel Toner
Vicky Strange
Sarah Macintyre
Morven Brown
Kirsteen Torrance
Fiona Walker
Andrea Lockhart
Nina Saunders
Tea Jensen
Amanda Tweedie
If you have any questions or comments about the work of the group, or ideas you would like to contribute, please email the chair on: melanie.toner@scottishcycling.org.uk
Want to get involved?
Breeze : Inspiring women to ride for fun and fitness
Ride Social : Organise your own rides, and join others near you - all for free
Race Calendar : Find a race near you
For more information of the Women’s Development group please see the latest meeting minutes.
*According to a survey carried out by British Cycling in 2018
**According to a survey carried out by British Cycling in 2018
