It’s wheely good fun: mums take to their wheels
Inspired by the Olympics, so many people want to go out cycling these days. Whether it’s wanting to get fit, do the shopping locally without the hassle of parking the car, or take the children out for a family outing along the quiet lanes and enjoy the autumnal colours, interest in cycling is on the rise.
Many children in Ludlow schools are benefitting from learning good cycling skills with the support of Shropshire Council’s Bikeability training.
But, what do you do if you’re an adult and missed out on this as a child or haven’t ridden a bike for a long time? Getting out on your bike can feel like a daunting prospect.
Two mums, however, stayed on at St Laurence’s Primary School, Ludlow last week after seeing their children into class and had their own lesson – in learning to cycle. Although they hadn’t ridden for many years, within two hours they were negotiating the twists of a slalom, using their gears proficiently and in good control of their bikes – all in a safe, traffic-free environment.
Mum of three, Kate Goucher, said:
“There is so little opportunity to learn some basic skills as an adult, this is brilliant. I’m really looking forward to going out with my children.”
Armed with this new confidence, the mums will be joining cycle trainers Eliz-anne Williams of the Breeze Network and Ray Hughes of Shropshire Council for a gentle ride on the roads soon.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for transport, said:
“Our transport planning team is getting a lot of enquiries about cycling, and are keen to support parents gain the skills and confidence so they can enjoy the pleasures of cycling. They are also working with a number of Ludlow schools to get the message out to parents and offer these sessions in a safe, traffic-free environment.”
Eliz-anne Williams, who leads regular rides for women under the British Cycling Breeze Scheme, said:
“The rides are perfect for women who would like to join short, social rides around the local area. It’s not about how fast you go, or the gear you wear, more about coming along for the fun of it.”
Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South; Rosanna Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North; and Tracey Huffer, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East, said:
“It is good to see more and more adults and children cycling around Ludlow, and I am really pleased that the cycle rides run by Ray Hughes have been so popular this year. The recently-installed cycle lanes are proving a success, and should encourage cyclists to leave their cars at home and enjoy the open spaces in and around Ludlow.”
Any parent who would like to find out more can contact Ray Hughes on 01743 253063 or visit http://www.travelshropshire.co.uk/cycle/cycle-training.
Further information
Shropshire Council. Spearheading cycling development in Ludlow is one part of the Shropshire Sustainable Transport Project – a package of measures to encourage the use of more sustainable transport in Shropshire. The package is funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) and aims to support and boost the local economy, and to cut carbon emissions. Shropshire Council is working closely with local organisations to offer training and opportunities and improve the infrastructure.
In addition to Bikeability training in schools, it offers maintenance classes and one-to-one tuition, leads community rides and conducts local consultation with cyclists. Cycling services can been seen at www.travelshropshire.co.uk.
Breeze (www.breezebikerides.com) is the biggest programme ever to get more women into riding bikes for fun. The aim is to help thousands of women feel confident and comfortable about going on a ride.
While cycling is becoming more and more popular in the UK, the proportion of women getting involved is actually declining. Organised as an arm of British Cycling, Breeze want to change that. Statistics show that three times more men than women ride bikes for fun. Breeze has done research to understand the reasons why more women aren’t cycling and the reasons include lack of time, confidence and feeling safe riding a bike.
Under the scheme volunteers are trained up as Breeze champions who organise fun, social, local bike rides for women. Rides go at a speed that suits everyone, and they often start or finish at a cafe so everyone can have a drink and a chat. Local champion contact Eliz-anne Williams on 07796 687134.
