The Scottish Cycling Women’s Development Group recently held their first meeting since the addition of three new members. The group share a desire to improve the opportunities and engagement of women and girls across the full range of cycling disciplines and roles.

The first meeting had some interesting discussions, including what the group would change if they had a magic wand they could use to make things better:

Kris Kumari Girls to be empowered by creating a safe place to not only cycle to be active but to also feel a place to share and discuss and be supported for their mental wellbeing 

Pauline Capaldi If I had a magic wand I would sprinkle some feel good endorphins on women and girls to let them experience how it feels after you have been on a bike ride! I would also sprinkle some compassion, patience and understanding on other road users to appreciate the challenges of cycling on our roads.

Kirsteen Durkin My magic wand would contain buckets of confidence and and remove our fear factor.  Who cares whether we are first or last as long as we are moving.   I'd also sprinkle us all with the ability to put ourselves and our own health and well being first to help us all get outdoors and on our bike more often.  If the feel good factor from being active was a pill it would be prescribed to us all in bucket load - it's on our doorstep so lets get out there and take a free dose.  (I would also make sure everyone can access a good quality bike and excellent padding!).  

Amy Hickman My 'magic wand' would be for women to give themselves permission to dedicate time for themselves to get out on their bikes without having the 'guilt' of having other responsibilities take priority. 

Fiona Walker If I had a magic wand I would give women and girls the confidence to give cycling events a go

Leanne Whitehead If I had a magic wand, I would make bikes much more affordable! I dislike the disparity we have on our kids' coaching courses with some kids riding bikes that cost 10 x the other bikes.  I would even go as far as to have free bikes for all!

Ashley Armstrong My ‘spell’ would magically erase the conscious and unconscious biases that exist towards women in cycling - particularly in bmx and mtb disciplines. My own negative internal beliefs coupled with attitudes of others have made participation in BMX difficult over the years (both recreationally and competitively). Whilst I do see growth and improvements, the societal expectations on women still create unnecessary pressure on those wishing start or progress in the sport.

Katie May If I had a magic wand, I’d sprinkle a little extra time for everyone. We all lead busy lives so a little extra time would come in handy! Time to play on bikes and time to get out and ride with family, friends or just ourselves. Yes please!

Diane Maciver If I had a magic wand I would like to buy a supply of bikes that I can give to people that have not got their own bike to allow them to enjoy the joy of cycling and the health benefits that it brings. 

Whilst we sadly don't currently have possession of a magic wand, there are some great ideas and suggestions here that link in to some of the opportunities and support already on offer at Scottish Cycling, including Breeze rides for women, free bikes for children through Rock Up N Ride, Scottish Cycling Clubs and Events, and information to help you get started or progress your cycling.

Click here for the latest minutes from the group.

For more information about the work of our Women's Development Group, and do get in touch if you have any suggestions on how we can help to achieve any of the above wishes, email: melanie.toner@scottishcycling.org.uk