The Bristol-based mum trying to encourage more women to cycle

A Bristol charity is launching a Women's Cycling Charter today, in a bid to encourage more female cyclists onto the streets.

Life Cycle UK wants to change negative perceptions of cycling through Bristol, and get as many women as possible involved.

Organisations and individuals are being asked to sign up to the charter. One of those who has is Abiir Shirdoon.

Now a qualified cycle instructor, the Easton-based mum wants to inspire others across Bristol to get on their bikes.

She says, "it's an affordable way to travel and anyone can do it".

An Easton-based mum wants to inspire others across Bristol to get on their bikes.

Only 17% of women ride a bike on a weekly basis in Bristol, according to Life Cycle UK.

After speaking to women, the Bristol-based charity know that more would like to ride a bike around the city, but don't.

They say there are numerous reasons why women choose not to cycle, including:

  • Concerns about safety due to poor infrastructure

  • Multi-stop journeys

  • Having no cycle storage at home

  • Lack of skills or knowledge

Life Cycle's CEO believes that if we can get more women riding bikes, we can begin to change our attitudes towards cycling

Life Cycle's CEO believes that if we can get more women riding bikes, we can begin to change our attitudes towards cycling, and help make it safer for everyone:

Only 17% of women ride a bike on a weekly basis in Bristol, according to Life Cycle UK.

Thangam Debboniare, MP for Bristol West, has offered her support for The Bristol Women's Cycling Charter.