A South Wales-based cycling leader has praised the impact of a women-only recreational initiative which is celebrating attracting its 250,000th participant.
British Cycling’s HSBC UK Breeze programme was established in 2011 and offers women of all abilities the opportunity to join free, led rides across the region.
This week, the programme is celebrating welcoming 250,000 riders in the eight years since its inception; with its continuing success proving a cornerstone of British Cycling’s attempts to narrow the historic gender gap within cycling participation.
Hilary May, of Dinas Powys, is one of the ‘Breeze Champions’ who give their time to leading rides, encouraging women to get back on the bike and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those who may never have cycled before.
Of the programme, she says:
“Prior to discovering HSBC UK Breeze, I had never ridden a bike for fun. The programme has opened a whole range of longer rides with the all-important coffee and cake stop. Getting out into the local countryside, nipping down to the sea or cycling past woodland or bluebells are such special moments, and even more so when accompanied by lovely like-minded women.
“Since becoming a Champion, it has been great to take women out on rides from just a short loop around Bute Park to longer rides around the Vale. The social aspect is the most important, and on almost all rides we will take it steady and wait at the top of hills, frequently stopping just to admire the view or to eat cake. It has been great to meet women who haven't been on a bike in years but then through HSBC UK Breeze go on to become regular cyclists;” it really can be life changing.
“To me, HSBC UK Breeze is about fun, fresh air, friendship, coffee, cake and exercise - in that order!”
British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, added:
“HSBC UK Breeze continues to go from strength to strength, and for us to be celebrating the 250,000th participant as we mark the initiative’s eighth birthday is fantastic. It’s hard to over-estimate just how many women have been inspired to get back on their bikes – or even cycle for the first time – through the programme and our quite wonderful Breeze Champions.
“We know through our own research that many barriers still exist which prevent some women from taking up cycling, and we will continue to work relentlessly in this area. However, this milestone at grassroots level, coupled with fantastic elite showcases such as this week’s OVO Energy Women’s Tour, show the progress that is being made.”
HSBC UK Breeze rides are completely free to attend, are suitable for any level of female cyclist, and take place all over the region. Further details are available here.
