New free Harrogate sessions to be launched to give women cyclists 'road confidence'
An influential Harrogate figure who was named in Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling is urging women to rediscover cycling through a fantastic new summer programme designed to make riding more accessible.
Free courses and events will run across Harrogate and North Leeds this summer with friendly experts on hand to offer safety bike checks and basic repairs to help people cycle and feel more confident getting around locally.
The sessions are aimed at women and local commuters, in particular.
In Harrogate 48% of peak road traffic is internal and averages no more than 1.6miles (from Harrogate relief road review).
According to new research from Cycling UK, over half of women (58%) believe their cycle journeys are limited by safety concerns and a lack of suitable infrastructure.
In Harrogate, blocks of three free sessions for beginners and improvers will run on the mornings of Friday, June 5, 13 and 20.
The team will help everyone learn essential skills, become more bike confident and learn how and where to cycle.
Kate Auld, founder of Harrogate-based firm The Personal Cyclist, who is is one of Cycling UK's 100 Women In Cycling, said: "We want to help people make cycling part of their everyday lives and meet like-minded people in a really relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
"We work with local organisations to support the Big Bike Revival so that we can support build road confidence in women who feel intimidated or might otherwise not have access to a working bike.
For adults in North and West Yorkshire with suspected or diagnosed ADHD, there will be a three-week course on the traffic-free tarmac of the Brownlee Centre in North Leeds at 7pm on June 5,12 and 26.
The initiative is supported by bike brand Specialized, whose pioneering Founder Mike Sinyard runs a cycling programme in schools across the USA to help children with ADHD.
Also in Harrogate on Saturday, June 21, there will be two workshops to help parents and children ride together more confidently.
Bikes can be borrowed but booking for all sessions is essential.
To book contact [email protected]/ 07779 152750
More information: https://www.thepersonalcyclist.com/