New research, by Bott and Co solicitors, revealed that almost half of UK women would like to take up cycling, but concerns about dangers on the road, personal safety and a lack of cycling infrastructure remain “significant barriers”.
At Bott and Co, we want to empower all women to get pedalling. We’ve teamed up with Dame Sarah Storey to create a cycling guide including tips and a tool highlighting cycling groups in your local area, connecting you to like-minded people and groups to cycle safely.
Whether you have never cycled before, started as a way to stay active over lockdown or have been cycling to work for the last 20 years, the guide aims to make cycling safer and more fun, putting your worries to ease as you build a love affair with your bike.
Dame Sarah Storey’s Top Tips For Women Looking To Get Into Cycling
British Paralymic Cyclist and winner of 17 Paralympic gold medals, Dame Sarah Storey gives tips on how women can get into cycling.
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Most areas have their own local bike shop and this is the best place to get your cycling journey started. There are other ways of getting your hands on a bike such as online, subscription services, or bike rentals but gaining expert advice from your local bike shop will help you understand which bike is best for you.
If you’re thinking about commuting to work on your bike you will need a suitable road bike, if hitting off road trails on the weekend is more your style then a mountain bike with chunkier tyres is what you’re after. Or even if you’re looking for the more relaxed approach there is an array of electric cycles available.
As a woman you will realise that you require a different style of bike to others, that could be narrower handlebars or a comfier saddle type, we’re all different and your local bike shop will be available to assist.
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Finding like minded women in your local area is a great way to enjoy cycling. Some people tend to enjoy a bike ride by themselves and have time to think, but finding local cycling groups will help you to discover new routes and make new friends.
Cycling in a group will also make you feel a lot safer if you’re not the strongest on the saddle.
Check out Bott and Co’s new club finding tool to find the right team mates for you.
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Thinking of saddling up for a two wheeled adventure? Always plan your route beforehand.
- Where do I want to go?
- How far will I cycle and for how long?
Knowing the answers to these questions beforehand will help you understand what to pack – it is never a good idea to run out of food and water during a long ride!
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There is an array of different types of clothing and equipment available to make your life a lot easier on the bike.
Visiting online stores or your local bike shop you can grab essentials such as; bigger saddlebags, clothing with storage for snacks, a water bottle cage, or even a phone holder to track your journey.
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Finally, we all know what the lovely British weather is like. You never want to be caught short on a ride when the heavens open.
Pack a rain jacket with you to stay dry during rainy rides, most jackets available are lightweight and easily packable if the weather picks up.
With all that said, it’s time to get out and about and explore, have fun and take in the scenery. The United Kingdom offers a wide range of cycling routes in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Bott and Co aims to link you up to cycling groups in your area. You can now find a handy tool on our website to help you with this. Simply type in your location and check out the local groups you can contact to find your very own cycling tribe.
Cycling club finderIf you would like more information on cycling or would like to make a claim about a cycling accident you have been involved in, do call 01625 415 850