Female cyclists in Manchester are preparing to take to the streets and celebrate International Women's Day this month.
With their bicycles primed and ready, over 60 female cyclists will be taking part in Manchester’s first International Women’s Day Bike Ride - called Ride for Women.
They will begin at the famous Emmeline Pankhurst statue in St Peter’s Square and cycle to Station South in Levenshulme at 12pm on Sunday, March 12.
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This special ride will bring together women’s cycling groups from across Manchester including Bee Pedal Ready, Bird Outdoors, Lady Pedal and Moston Cycling, and organisers are hoping it will become an annual celebration.
Belinda Everett, founder of Bee Pedal Ready, is encouraging women and diversity in cycling. She said: "The bike has been an amazing symbol of freedom and revolution for women. It will be great to see everyone come together for this special ride, it’s going to be a brilliant day."
Bee Pedal Ready (CIC) offers basic bike maintenance and weekly bike rides for women which take place in and around Manchester. The not-for-profit social enterprise hopes to increase the representation and variety of women in cycling.
Anna Smith, who leads community involvement at Station South, said: “We are incredibly excited to be collaborating with our friends to showcase a cross-section of the fabulous women-helping-women groups in cycling. ‘
The ride takes place at a time when a recent survey by Greater Manchester for Women revealed that just 1% of women in Manchester regularly use their bikes. Safety, speed, volume of traffic and a lack of confidence were among the top worries for one-third of the women polled.
Belinda said: "Many women haven’t ridden a bike since they were girls, but it’s a great way to get around the city. Coming to one of the women’s cycling groups is a good way to build confidence, discover new routes and make new friends too."
Belinda will take part in a panel discussion hosted by Maxine Peake for premium cycling brand Rapha on Thursday March, 9. An evening of ‘Women’s Cycling Stories’ will take place on Tuesday 7th March at Station South along with a special photography exhibition celebrating International Women’s Day.
Places are fully booked for this year’s ride but public can cheer or wave along the route, with more places available next year.
Click the link to find out more here.
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