Any female cyclists out there?

"cityjen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all -

As a relatively new cyclist, I recently joined this group
and am finding

it

Quoted message said:

very useful. I'm based in London, and often ride with my
16-month-old daughter - she loves being on the back of the
bike in the child's seat!.

I'm having a great time cycling and as such, I am trying
to get more women cyclists on the road - judging from my
travels and conversations with

other

Quoted message said:

women, we seem to be in a bit of a minority. I'm hoping
some of you might help me spread the word to ladies in and
around London who might be interested in cycling but may
not know how to get started, are convinced it's not safe,
want to meet other female cyclists, etc..

I just set up an informal e-group called Cycling Sisters
(details, below). If you know someone who might be
interested, please pass along the info.

Also, if you've got any upcoming rides - for both genders
- that start in and around London, please feel free to let
me know and I'll help you

spread

Quoted message said:

the word. I'm at [email hidden].

Hi Jen

I also have a young daughter, a bit older than yours though,
she's three. I used to live in London but recently moved to
Nottinghamshire. When you say you would like to get more
women on the road do you mean literally or do you stick to
parks and cycle paths? The reason I ask is that I was
terrified about driving in London let alone cycle. Hats off
to you if you cycle the streets.

I have only just started cycling again after ten years, I
bought a new bike yesterday and a trailer for my little girl
as she is too big too ride in a child seat. My partner would
also like a bike now and it has crossed his mind that if we
both have bikes we could go camping, cycling from campsite
to campsite but I would need to get a lot more bike savvy
and confident first. Do you find that motorists give you a
lot of space with you having you daughter at the back of
your bike?

I don't live in London anymore so don't qualify to join your
Yahoo group but just to have my tuppence worth: I may have
only gone on my first proper bike ride today but I
absolutely loved it and my daughter had a blast. It was nice
to get away from it all and hit the countryside. It was a
really pleasant feeling to have the wind in my hair while
being able to hear my daughter singing twinkle twinkle
little star in the back. I definitely think it is a great
way for women and children to get out into the fresh air and
it will also encourage children to lead a healthy lifestyle
later on in life. I don't know why I didn't buy a bike
sooner, when we got home my little girl didn't want to get
out the trailer, she could happily have rode (ridden?)
around all day!

Good luck with your group!

Fran

Quoted message said:

---
Cycling Sisters is a place for women throughout greater
London to discuss all aspects of two-wheeled transport in
and around the capital city.

Whether

Quoted message said:

you're interested in cycling for fun, fitness, or
transportation (or all three), join us. Here, you'll find
out about upcoming cycle rides, learn about riding with or
without kids, discuss all things cycle-related (including
safety and maintenance), and meet other female cyclists -
all within a friendly, atmosphere.

Subscribe: [email hidden]

---

Cheers,

Jennifer Pirtle

[email hidden]

"cityjen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

[snip]

Quoted message said:

I'm having a great time cycling and as such, I am
trying to get

more women

Quoted message said:

cyclists on the road - judging from my travels and
conversations

with other

Quoted message said:

women, we seem to be in a bit of a minority.

[snip]

From the figures I've seen only about one London bike
commuter in six or seven is a women, which is a shame. I
would guess the ratio is about the same for people who go
off riding on weekends.

I thnk there are others who like going off on women only
rides, although I don't know details. I think there is even
a bike shop owned by an all woman co-op. (In Notting Hill?)

It might be an idea to phone the London Cycling Campaign's
office (020-7928-7220) and see if you can get Rebecca Lack,
editor of the "London Cyclist", their magazine, to give your
group a plug. The people at the office also might know of
others with similar interests to yours.

Jeremy Parker

Vaguely interested, but wondering just how far out the 'in
and about london' covers?

--

Velvet

Velvet said:

Vaguely interested, but wondering just how far out the 'in
and about london' covers?

Guess it won't stretch to Dundee 😉

Roos

cityjen said:

Hi all - As a relatively new cyclist, I recently joined
this group and am finding it very useful. I'm based in
London, and often ride with my 16-month-old daughter - she
loves being on the back of the bike in the child's seat!.

I'm having a great time cycling and as such, I am trying
to get more women cyclists on the road - judging from my
travels and conversations with other women, we seem to be
in a bit of a minority. ....

Not female, me, but have one name you might contact: Alix
Stredwick, who runs a project doing exactly what you want to
do: encouraging and helping women to cycle. I can find an
email address for you in a day or two if the above is not
enough to go on.

Colin McKenzie

Colin McKenzie <[email hidden]>typed

Quoted message said:

Not female, me, but have one name you might contact: Alix
Stredwick, who runs a project doing exactly what you want
to do: encouraging and helping women to cycle. I can find
an email address for you in a day or two if the above is
not enough to go on.

Alix Stredwick's [email hidden]

--
Helen D. Vecht: [email hidden] Edgware.

Hi Velvet:

Well, I'm saying greater London but if there's interest
beyond that, I'd love to hear about it! (Gotta start
somewhere!). I'd envisioned rides starting from London and
going out from there. Where are you based?

I'd also be pleased to hear from women interested in leading
rides - I thought perhaps we could do one a month.

Cheers, Jennifer

"Velvet" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:uQDGc.483$iE7.5349634@news-
text.cableinet.net...

Quoted message said:

Vaguely interested, but wondering just how far out the 'in
and about london' covers?

--

Velvet

Well, I'm saying greater London, but if there's interest
beyond that, by all means, come on board! I'd envisioned the
rides starting from the London area and going out from
there, in much the same way that LCC does.

I'm definitely open to input - I've just started this
yesterday. 😉

I'd also love to hear from women who might be interested in
leading rides.

Cheers, Jennifer

"Velvet" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:uQDGc.483$iE7.5349634@news-
text.cableinet.net...

Quoted message said:

Vaguely interested, but wondering just how far out the 'in
and about london' covers?

--

Velvet

"Purple" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi Jen

I also have a young daughter, a bit older than yours
though, she's three.

I

Quoted message said:

used to live in London but recently moved to
Nottinghamshire. When you say you would like to get more
women on the road do you mean literally or do

you

Quoted message said:

stick to parks and cycle paths?

I'd like to get women onto the roads, parks, paths -
wherever they feel comfortable. I ride on all three. I tend
to stick with the less busy streets when I'm with my
daughter, but you can't always do so. (She does love waving
at the buss drivers). Myself, I ride on the busy streets
and actually love doing so. The key is to take - and own -
your space.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

I have only just started cycling again after ten years, I
bought a new

bike

Quoted message said:

yesterday and a trailer for my little girl as she is too
big too ride in a child seat. My partner would also like a
bike now and it has crossed his mind that if we both have
bikes we could go camping, cycling from campsite to
campsite but I would need to get a lot more bike savvy and
confident first.

That is one of the reasons that I got into cycling - as we
go camping as a family, too!

Quoted message said:

Do you find that motorists give you a lot of space with you
having you daughter at the back of your bike?

I take it. 🙂 But seriously, I think most motorists will
give you space if you are confident, maintain eye contact,
and be assertive about the rules of the road. I think when
you get into trouble is when you waver in your intentions.

Quoted message said:

I don't live in London anymore so don't qualify to join
your Yahoo group

but

Quoted message said:

just to have my tuppence worth: I may have only gone on my
first proper

bike

Quoted message said:

ride today but I absolutely loved it and my daughter had a
blast. It was nice to get away from it all and hit the
countryside. It was a really pleasant feeling to have the
wind in my hair while being able to hear my daughter
singing twinkle twinkle little star in the back.

Fantastic!!! I love hearing my litle one gurgle and make
animal sounds back there! 🙂

I definitely think

Quoted message said:

it is a great way for women and children to get out into
the fresh air and it will also encourage children to lead
a healthy lifestyle later on in life. I don't know why I
didn't buy a bike sooner, when we got home my little girl
didn't want to get out the trailer, she could happily have

rode

Quoted message said:

(ridden?) around all day!

The key thing, though, is you started! Hurrah!

Quoted message said:

Good luck with your group!

Thanks very much - if you think of anyone who might be
interested, please have them get in touch.

Best, Jennifer

Hi Colin:

I meant to reply to you in the group (but it went to your
private email) -- yes, I've been in touch with Alix, in
fact, her project helped to get me motivated about doing
this. Her project, which was covering Camden and Lambeth,
was one year long and is about to end (pending further
funding, I believe). So I'm starting this, in part, to
continue that momentum and also to get a much wider group.

I welcome any ideas and suggestions - plus help
spreading the word!

Cheers, Jennifer

"Colin McKenzie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

cityjen said:

Hi all - As a relatively new cyclist, I recently joined
this group and am finding

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

very useful. I'm based in London, and often ride with my
16-month-old daughter - she loves being on the back of
the bike in the child's seat!.

I'm having a great time cycling and as such, I am trying
to get more

women

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

cyclists on the road - judging from my travels and
conversations with

other

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

women, we seem to be in a bit of a minority. ....

Not female, me, but have one name you might contact: Alix
Stredwick, who runs a project doing exactly what you want
to do: encouraging and helping women to cycle. I can find
an email address for you in a day or two if the above is
not enough to go on.

Colin McKenzie

Great ideas, Jeremy - thanks!

Jennifer

"Jeremy Parker" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

[snip]

Quoted message said:

From the figures I've seen only about one London bike
commuter in six or seven is a women, which is a shame. I
would guess the ratio is about the same for people who go
off riding on weekends.

I thnk there are others who like going off on women only
rides, although I don't know details. I think there is
even a bike shop owned by an all woman co-op. (In
Notting Hill?)

It might be an idea to phone the London Cycling Campaign's
office (020-7928-7220) and see if you can get Rebecca
Lack, editor of the "London Cyclist", their magazine, to
give your group a plug. The people at the office also
might know of others with similar interests to yours.

Jeremy Parker

"cityjen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all -

As a relatively new cyclist, I recently joined this group
and am finding it very useful. I'm based in London, and
often ride with my 16-month-old daughter - she loves being
on the back of the bike in the child's seat!.

I saw my first bent for ages on my commute home last night.
It was only after following it for a few miles that a guy
opened a car door in front of it and then said sorry sister
that I realised the rider was a girl!

You don't get many of them to a pound!

Purple said:

I also have a young daughter, a bit older than yours
though, she's three. I used to live in London but recently
moved to Nottinghamshire. When you say you would like to
get more women on the road do you mean literally or do you
stick to parks and cycle paths? The reason I ask is that I
was terrified about driving in London let alone cycle.
Hats off to you if you cycle the streets.

Well, skipping into another thread, one thing you can very
usefully spend money on is a copy of Cyclecraft, by John
Franklin, The Stationery Office Books, ISBN: 0117020516
(Amazon have it at 12.99).

It gives very good guidance on how to cycle safely on Real
Roads, with emphasis on good positioning. With good
positioning (as Jennifer says, take and own your space) you
do get room, and when you've got room you're generally safe.

Quoted message said:

first. Do you find that motorists give you a lot of space
with you having you daughter at the back of your bike?

Things that are out of the ordinary tend to get more space
anyway, but with proper positioning (well out from the
kerb, contrary to most peoples' assumptions, you get far
more space from drivers than if you're hugging it) you'll
have plenty of room anyway. I've already recommended
Cyclecraft, but I'll do it again: you really should get a
copy and read it ASAP.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111
ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382
640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net
[email hidden] dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

cityjen said:

Hi Velvet:

Well, I'm saying greater London but if there's interest
beyond that, I'd love to hear about it! (Gotta start
somewhere!). I'd envisioned rides starting from London and
going out from there. Where are you based?

I'd also be pleased to hear from women interested in
leading rides - I thought perhaps we could do one a month.

Cheers, Jennifer

Hmm, I might sign up then :-) I'm in the Purley area, in
Surrey, though they're trying their hardest to make us part
of London, the gits :-)

I don't ride much (hardly ever) on the roads around here -
confidence reasons, plus the traffic volumes as well as the
driver attitudes are *very* offputting to a single female
cyclist (oh, and the hills, the hills).

My better half lives in cambridgeshire, so I tend to save
most of my cycling for up that neck of the woods - quieter
roads, fewer cars with w*****s in, etc. Oh, and fewer hills,
too - though they still have them (*grin*) - contrary to
what some would have you believe ;-)

I'd be the last person you'd want as a ride leader, believe
me. Not only do I only know the roads around here as a
driver not a cyclist, I still find a lot of the hills beyond
me (both up AND down!) - and last but not least, I still
haven't mastered signalling whilst on a bike yet!

I have joined one local cycling campaign list - I agree that
you should investigate the LCC and the local offshoots from
it, they also organise rides, and there's a women's group in
the croydon area too, I'm sure you'd find a lot of similarly
minded ladies amongst them!

--

Velvet

"cityjen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I just set up an informal e-group called Cycling Sisters
(details, below). If you know someone who might be
interested, please pass along the info.

Welcome to urc. I'll put a message up by the cycle changing
rooms at work. We have a large number of cycle-commuting
women here.

Anyone interested in learning a bit more about Jennifer
might want to take a peek at <http://cityjen.com/>, or just
Google for her name.

--
Dave...

I can't listen to that much Wagner. I start getting the urge
to conquer Poland. — Woody Allen

Colin McKenzie <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

cityjen said:

Hi all - As a relatively new cyclist...I am trying to
get more women cyclists on the road

Not female, me, but have one name you might contact: Alix
Stredwick, who runs a project doing exactly what you want
to do: encouraging and helping women to cycle. I can find
an email address for you in a day or two if the above is
not enough to go on.

<aol>I was going to say that (and the LCC pace JP)</aol>

Alix's project (and contact details) can be found here
wds.org.ukcfw.htmOpen ↗

best wishes james

"cityjen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Purple" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Hi Jen

I also have a young daughter, a bit older than yours
though, she's

three.

Quoted message said:

I

Quoted message said:

used to live in London but recently moved to
Nottinghamshire. When you

say

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you would like to get more women on the road do you mean
literally or do

you

Quoted message said:

stick to parks and cycle paths?

I'd like to get women onto the roads, parks, paths -
wherever they feel comfortable. I ride on all three. I
tend to stick with the less busy

streets

Quoted message said:

when I'm with my daughter, but you can't always do so.
(She does love

waving

Quoted message said:

at the buss drivers). Myself, I ride on the busy streets
and actually love doing so. The key is to take - and own -
your space.

I cycled maybe a couple of hundred yards of that yesterday
just in the side streets round where I live after leaving
the cycle path to get back to my house. What worries me is
that people don't stop and look before pulling out round
here, you see cars screeching and dodging each other all the
time. It's a nightmare with kids playing in the road too and
messing round on bikes. I am surprised there aren't more
accidents than there are.

I will have to become more forthright and not so meek, after
all I have as much right as motorists to be in the road!

Quoted message said:

<snip>

Quoted message said:

I have only just started cycling again after ten years,
I bought a new

bike

Quoted message said:

yesterday and a trailer for my little girl as she is too
big too ride in

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

child seat. My partner would also like a bike now and it
has crossed his mind that if we both have bikes we could
go camping, cycling from

campsite

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to campsite but I would need to get a lot more bike
savvy and confident first.

That is one of the reasons that I got into cycling - as we
go camping as a family, too!

We are ramblers at heart really but now my daughter is too
big to be in a child carrier on my partners back and prefers
to walk we don't get out as much as we used to as she can't
walk very fast and gets tired quickly. Which is fine as we
have just as much fine going out for an hour and naming all
the different flowers and plants but I missed being out in
the country all day stopping off for a picnic for lunch that
is why I got a bike and trailer. Both my daughter and I have
the best of both worlds now, I get some exercise and she can
travel in comfort!

Camping is a fantastic experience for little ones isn't it?!
We went on a seven month camping trip in France, Italy,
Sicily and Spain when me daughter was 10 months old and she
can still remember certain things when I show her photos of
our adventures. I think that is why my daughter is so
incredibly laid back and fearless about everything. When you
have to have your nappy changed in front of seven strangers
on a night train you have no choice but to go with the flow!

Just camping itself is a geat family exercise. We are hoping
to go camping in the Lakes in August

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Do you find that motorists give you a lot of space with
you having you daughter at the back of your bike?

I take it. 🙂 But seriously, I think most motorists will
give you space if you are confident, maintain eye contact,
and be assertive about the rules

of

Quoted message said:

the road. I think when you get into trouble is when you
waver in your intentions.

Thankyou that's some good advice you have offered. Once I
get my confidence back just using my bike on cycle paths and
gears etc become second nature I'll tackle road cycling as
Sherwood Forest is only about 30 minutes away and it would
be fantastic to cycle there, have a picnic and then explore!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I don't live in London anymore so don't qualify to join
your Yahoo group

but

Quoted message said:

just to have my tuppence worth: I may have only gone on
my first proper

bike

Quoted message said:

ride today but I absolutely loved it and my daughter had
a blast. It was nice to get away from it all and hit the
countryside. It was a really pleasant feeling to have
the wind in my hair while being able to hear my daughter
singing twinkle twinkle little star in the back.

Fantastic!!! I love hearing my litle one gurgle and make
animal sounds

back

Quoted message said:

there! 🙂

I definitely think

Quoted message said:

it is a great way for women and children to get out into
the fresh air

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it will also encourage children to lead a healthy
lifestyle later on in life. I don't know why I
didn't buy a bike sooner, when we got home my little
girl didn't want to get out the trailer, she could
happily have

rode

Quoted message said:

(ridden?) around all day!

The key thing, though, is you started! Hurrah!

Thanks! It's never too late to start something new I guess
and anything that gets my daughter away from the dreaded
telly is always good! :o)

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Good luck with your group!

Thanks very much - if you think of anyone who might be
interested, please have them get in touch.

Will do!

Quoted message said:

Best, Jennifer

Fran

"Peter Clinch" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Purple said:

I also have a young daughter, a bit older than yours
though, she's

three. I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

used to live in London but recently moved to
Nottinghamshire. When you

say

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you would like to get more women on the road do you mean
literally or do

you

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

stick to parks and cycle paths? The reason I ask is that
I was terrified about driving in London let alone cycle.
Hats off to you if you cycle

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

streets.

Well, skipping into another thread, one thing you can very
usefully spend money on is a copy of Cyclecraft, by John
Franklin, The Stationery Office Books, ISBN: 0117020516
(Amazon have it at 12.99).

Thanks Pete, I'll check it out now. If my partner hs his way
and we take the bikes on our camping trip in August I'll
have to be better at road cycling!

Quoted message said:

It gives very good guidance on how to cycle safely on
Real Roads, with emphasis on good positioning. With good
positioning (as Jennifer says, take and own your space)
you do get room, and when you've got room you're
generally safe.

Quoted message said:

first. Do you find that motorists give you a lot of
space with you

having

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you daughter at the back of your bike?

Things that are out of the ordinary tend to get more space
anyway, but with proper positioning (well out from the
kerb, contrary to most peoples' assumptions, you get far
more space from drivers than if you're hugging it) you'll
have plenty of room anyway. I've already recommended
Cyclecraft, but I'll do it again: you really should get a
copy and read it ASAP.

You can't miss the trailer, it is very brightly coloured and
has got a pole with a flag attached to it in order as easy
to spot as possible.

Thanks for all your help Pete, I really appreciate it!

Quoted message said:

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111
ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382
640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net
[email hidden] dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

Fran

Jeremy Parker said:

I thnk there are others who like going off on women only
rides, although I don't know details. I think there is
even a bike shop owned by an all woman co-op. (In
Notting Hill?)

Bicycle Workshop in the All Saints Road <URL:
bicycleworkshop.co.ukbicycleworkshop.co.ukOpen ↗>

--

Dave Larrington - legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uklegslarry.beerdrinkers.co.ukOpen ↗
===========================================================
Editor - British Human Power Club Newsletter
bhpc.org.ukbhpc.org.ukOpen ↗
===========================================================