Get on your bike, east London women urged

Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Friday, June 22, 2012
6:00 AM

Women across east London are being urged to get on their bikes with the launch of a new cycling event.

The Big Breeze Bike Ride, which is British Cycling’s Breeze network, wants women from across London to get together with their friends, family and colleagues and have fun on their bikes on June 23 and 24..

The network believes this is the perfect opportunity for women to see east London from the view of a saddle and see the capital from a completely different perspective. To be involved, all you have to do is upload your ride on the Breeze Facebook app.

Part of UK’s biggest ever initiative to boost female cycling, the Big Breeze Bike Ride will see hundreds of like-minded women up and down the country setting up local rides to share the two-wheeled fun.

Research from British Cycling found that nearly a million women would like to start riding a bike, but many are put off by a lack of confidence and someone to ride with. Rides by and for women is a great way to combat that, and 2012 - a special year for British women’s cycling - seems the perfect time to get started.

Jill Puttnam, British Cycling’s National Operations Manager for recreational cycling, said: “The Big Breeze Bike Ride is for every woman, everywhere as it’s fun and informal. Setting up or joining a Big Breeze Bike Ride is a brilliant and fun way to meet new people, get to know your local area or socialise with friends. Bike rides are good for the mind, body and soul and our riders regularly tell us that they feel happier and healthier. So what are you waiting for? Be a part of an incredible year and join in the biggest ever celebration of cycling.”

For more information on setting up or joining a Big Breeze Bike Ride, check out the app on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/BreezeNetwork> page.