With men currently outnumbering women four to one in the UK for cycling to work, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched Women on Wheels 2017 to help narrow the gap.
TfGM is offering Greater Manchester cycle clubs, groups and organisations the chance to apply for funding towards events and activities to encourage more women to get on their bikes next year.
The month-long celebration of cycling takes place throughout March 2017 and events can be aimed at encouraging complete beginners to give cycling a go, right through to encouraging existing cyclists to cycle more often.
Hundreds of people across the region took part in last year’s Women on Wheels campaign, with some events selling out almost immediately.
Keen cyclist Ann Butler helped organise an event for women’s cycling group Burnden Belles last year. She said: “The day was a huge success. We were inundated with ladies wanting to attend, some even buying their first bike, or replacing their old one, especially for the event.
“One lady had a mechanical fault with her bike whilst riding home and was able to fix it herself with what she’d learnt.”
TfGM Head of Logistics, Environment and Active Travel, Helen Smith, said: “Previous Women on Wheels events have proven to be extremely popular, with hundreds of people signing up for over 60 events across the region this year alone, and we want to build on that success in 2017.
“Getting people cycling helps them to live happier, longer and healthier lives and also makes our towns and cities nicer places to live.”
The closing date for funding applications is 4pm on Friday 13 January 2017. Only one application will be accepted per group, for a maximum of £400.
