Ladies, get on your bike and pedal into the new year

Jan 4 2012 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL Council is supporting a brand new initiative in 2012 to get more local women back onto their bikes for fun and fitness.

Breeze bike rides, which begin in West Kirby in January, are an easy way for women to take up the activity again accompanied by other people in the same position.

The rides will be challenging, but do-able, and will avoid traffic wherever possible. And there will always be a stop at a local café en-route to recharge the batteries and have a chat with other cyclists.

The Breeze sessions are being co-ordinated in Wirral by Fiona Hanik, the council’s Active Families Development Officer, and she is supported by a small team of Breeze champions to help her develop the cycling scheme.

Fiona said: “Breeze bike rides are fun, local and flexible sessions just for women. Far more men than women ride bikes and we want to change that. Riding a bike is easy, it’s fun and great for fitness too.

“If you’re interested and haven’t got a bike or would like some training – I can help put you in touch with bike hire and support. I’d encourage women to get in touch and remember the fun of bike riding.”

Cllr Chris Meaden, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, added: “We are always looking for new ways to encourage people to get active and the Breeze bike rides are another example of that. There’s no reason why cycling should be a male preserve – I hope lots of local women sign up and enjoy these new sessions.”

For details, see www.breezebikerides.com