As part of our commitment to widen the participation of women and girls in cycling, on International Women’s Day this year we launched the Women’s Fund, providing clubs with the opportunity to apply for funding up to the value of £1,000, to support their efforts to increase female membership and volunteers.
Seventeen clubs applied, requesting almost double the amount of funding that was available, creating a challenge for the funding panel who had to decide how best to target these limited resources. The panel was supported to make their decisions by a member of the Women’s Development Group with experience in this area. Careful consideration of each application and smart decision making has resulted in fourteen clubs receiving funding to support their aims to recruit and support more female members.
In summary, the fund is supporting seven level one Ride Leader places, nine online first aid courses, six coaching qualifications and three level two Mountain Bike Leadership awards. It is also contributing to the delivery of five coaching sessions, seven bike maintenance training sessions, the marketing of five projects, equipment purchases for two clubs, refreshment costs for two sessions and the cost of a professional speaker.
Below is a list of the clubs who have been awarded funds and the name of each project.
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Elgin Cycling Club |
Encouraging and developing ladies cyclist in Moray |
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Fechan Flyers Cycle Club |
Ladies who can |
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Glasgow Riderz Youth Cycling Club |
Women Volunteers Project |
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Glassie Bike Park SCIO |
Women`s Biking Development at club |
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Hervelo |
Open to all women cyclists come and meet our club |
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Kelso Wheelers & Breezers |
Sofa to Saddle |
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KICC |
Mums Ride Too |
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Livingston Cycling Club |
Livingston Ladies |
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Middleden Mountain Bike Club |
Middleden Explore |
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Moray Firth Cycling Club |
Grass Routes Girls |
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Musselburgh Roads Cycling Club |
MRCC Ride like a girl |
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North Argyll Cycle Club |
Breaking Barriers |
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Orkney Cycling Club |
Orkney Womens’ Cycling Initiative |
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West Lothian Clarion |
WLC Lasses |
Most clubs have until the end of May next year to complete their projects and provide reports to Scottish Cycling, assessing the impact these funds have. We are looking forward to following the progress of each club’s project and seeing more women and girls (re)discovering cycling and joining a cycle club.
Search for a cycling club in your area here.
More information about the Scottish Cycling Women’s Development Group here.
To discuss how we can help your club increase the participation of women and/or girls, please email: clubdevelopment@scottishcycling.org.uk
Photo credit: Hendrik Nahler
