Free Cycle Training for Luton Women

Free cycle training to help women in Luton get pedaling

Women are being offered free cycle training in Luton, as part of a yearlong campaign to get women on their bikes.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans has linked up with Luton Borough Council to provide a series of free sessions to women who are either complete beginners or novice cyclists.

The Women on Wheels sessions will be led by Jenny Goff (pictured right), who cycled her way to a healthier lifestyle after learning to ride four years ago.

Jenny, aged 59, of Dunstable, said: "I really hope lots of women take up this offer and feel the huge benefits from cycling, which I've enjoyed.

"I decided to take lessons because I felt very self-conscious on leisure holidays when I would be the only adult pedaling around on a tricycle. But I gradually improved to the point where I could just scrunch up my courage and take off on various everyday journeys around town and even ride to work.

"It was fantastic to achieve something I never thought I'd be capable of. It also helped me tone up and lose weight - even though I was eating far more biscuits to keep pace with the extra energy I was burning!"

Jenny will be part of a team of fully accredited cycle trainers for Women on Wheels, who will lead one and a half hour sessions on June 1, 4 and 5 at 1.30pm and 5.30pm. The training will take place around the car park outside Sustrans' Luton office in Power Court. All equipment including bikes will be provided, although women can also bring their own.

Chris Wilkinson, Sustrans' Active Travel manager in Luton, said: "This training is aimed at women who have never ridden before or whose bike has been gathering dust for far too long. It will focus on improving balance and cycle skills rather than stamina so there is no pre-requisite at all. We just want to inspire lots more women to try cycling, which is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get fit and healthy."

Sustrans is embarking on its yearlong campaign to get more women cycling after research showed that men are three times more likely to cycle. For more information, visit www.sustrans.org.uk or www.bikebelles.org.uk

To book a place for Women on Wheels, email kathy.smith@sustrans.org.uk or call 01582 732919.

Further information about Sustrans, www.sustrans.org.uk