Written by: 
Rafal Kukla | Published on: March 20, 2023 | Edited on: November 30, 2023
Rafal Kukla | Published on: March 20, 2023 | Edited on: November 30, 2023We recognise that the sport has historically been male-dominated, and we are committed to bridging the gender gap through a range of initiatives, programs, and opportunities designed specifically for women. In this blog post, we will unveil our club's efforts to empower female riders and discuss the importance of supporting and inspiring women in cycling.
The Gender Gap in Cycling
According to British Cycling, in 2022, competitive events in Scotland attracted over three times as many male entrants compared to female entries, while non-competitive events fared only slightly better. Overall, females made up 24% of event entries. In mountain bike leadership, women are outnumbered by men by nearly four to one.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Cycling is a low-impact form of exercise that offers a wide range of health benefits for women. These benefits include:
- Improved cardiovascular health: Regular cycling can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Weight management: Cycling burns calories, which can help women maintain a healthy weight.
- Strengthened muscles: Cycling engages various muscle groups, particularly in the lower body, helping to build strength and tone muscles.
- Enhanced bone density: Weight-bearing exercises like cycling can help improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that disproportionately affects women.
- Hormonal balance: Regular exercise, including cycling, can help regulate hormone levels, alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
- Boosting self-esteem: As women gain strength and improve their cycling skills, they often experience increased self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
- Combating depression: Regular exercise, including cycling, can help alleviate symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins, the body's natural mood-enhancers.
Morning meeting at Hand and Spear Weybridge
Our Commitment to Female Riders
At Surrey Cycling Club, we recognise the need to address the gender disparity in cycling and are actively working to promote and support female riders. Some of our initiatives include:
- Female group rides: We are committed to organising female-only group rides, providing a safe and supportive environment for women to build their skills, confidence, and friendships.
- Female ride leaders: We are currently seeking female rider leaders to help lead our female-only groups starting this summer. Candidates should be semi-experienced, possess excellent cycling skills, and be familiar with the Surrey area.
- Ongoing support: Surrey Cycling Club will provide all the necessary support and resources for our female rider leaders, ensuring their success and the success of our female-focused initiatives.
- Skill-building workshops: We plan to offer workshops tailored to the needs and interests of female cyclists, covering topics such as bike maintenance, nutrition, and cycling safety.
- Mentorship and coaching: Surrey Cycling Club will develop a mentorship program, pairing experienced female cyclists with newer riders to provide guidance, encouragement, and inspiration.
Female-Only Group Rides
To create a safe and supportive space for female cyclists, we are going to organise female-only group rides. These rides provide an opportunity for women to connect with one another, build their cycling skills, and gain confidence in a nurturing environment. By offering female-only rides, we aim to empower women and encourage more women to participate in and enjoy the sport of cycling.
Female Ride Leaders
We are actively seeking female ride leaders who can help lead our female-only groups starting this summer 2023. Ideal candidates should be semi-experienced, possess excellent cycling skills, and be familiar with the Surrey area. We believe that having strong female role models within our club will inspire other women to join and excel in the sport.
Networking and Social Events
We can help hosts networking and social events for our female members to foster a sense of community and support. By connecting women with like-minded individuals, we hope to create a strong network of female cyclists who can lean on one another for encouragement, advice, and friendship.
Support and Resources for Female Ride Leaders
Surrey Cycling Club is committed to providing all the necessary support and resources for our female ride leaders. This includes access to training, route planning, mentorship, and guidance from experienced club members. Our goal is to ensure the success of our female-focused initiatives and create an environment where female riders feel supported and empowered.
Short briefing before the ride
How You Can Get Involved
If you are a woman interested in cycling, we encourage you to Join Surrey Cycling Club and take advantage of the many benefits and opportunities we offer. Whether you are new to cycling or an experienced rider, we welcome all women with open arms and are committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where you can thrive.
Together, we can break down barriers, bridge the gender gap, and create a more inclusive, diverse, and thriving cycling community for all. Let's empower women through cycling and celebrate the countless benefits this incredible sport has to offer.
Final thoughts
Surrey Cycling Club is dedicated to empowering female riders and creating a more inclusive and diverse cycling community. Through our female-focused initiatives and support, we hope to inspire more women to embrace the sport and enjoy the many benefits that cycling has to offer.
By working together, we can break down barriers and create a brighter future for women in cycling. If you are interested in joining our club or participating in our female-focused initiatives, we invite you to reach out and become a part of our mission to empower female riders.
🚴♂️ Pedaling the path of passion, I'm the founder and chief cycling enthusiast at Surrey Cycling Club. When I'm not steering the wheel of our vibrant community, you'll find me navigating the world of tech, offering bespoke Managed IT Services to the Apple users and WordPress aficionados. Balancing work and wheels with family fun makes my life a thrilling ride! Let's cycle together, shall we? 😊
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