Women’s group takes to two wheels after being supported into cycling

A GROUP of women with little or no experience of riding a bike have taken to two wheels after being supported into cycling.

Tameside Youth Service facilitated the cycling and learn to cycle sessions after members of Hyde Women’s Group expressed an interest.

The group have been accessing Bennett Street Youth and Community Centre, supported by the Youth Service, for around ten years, taking part in activities including badminton, ball games and ESOL classes.

Members were interested in taking up cycling, so the Youth Service set to work to help them, organising funding through Cycling UK and the Big Bike Revival project and providing a variety of bicycles to enable everyone to get involved, as well as two staff members to deliver sessions. Twenty-three members of the group took part with some riding for the first time and two women learning to ride completely within two weeks.

The group said they really enjoyed the sessions, with one member commenting “this is so exciting” and some asking for more so they can gain confidence to ride on the road.

The Youth Service have agreed that it was a positive experience for the group and they will further support them in accessing additional funding for sessions.

Tameside Council’s Deputy Executive Leader Councillor Bill Fairfoull, who has responsibility for Children and Families including Tameside Youth Service, said: “I’m delighted that our Youth Service has enabled members of Hyde Women’s Group to get involved in cycling and for some of them to learn to cycle. These skills will stay with them and it’s great that they’re keen to continue the sessions.”

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Connectivity, Cllr Jan Jackson said: “It’s fantastic that these sessions have enabled more women to get involved in cycling. Cycling helps people keep fit and active and is beneficial for both physical and mental health. It’s also a sustainable way to travel, reducing congestion and improving air quality to help the environment.”

There are lots of cycling and walking opportunities in Tameside. Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/walkingandcycling

These include Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, which will provide a 1,800 mile, joined up cycling and walking network across the city-region to connect every neighbourhood and community and make it easier for people to get around on foot or by bike. Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/MCF