British Cycling is marking today’s International Women’s Day with the announcement of Jess Varnish and Lizzie Armitstead as the new ambassadors for its Breeze programme of female only rides.
Breeze, launched in 2011, aims to help women overcome some of the barriers that prevent them from cycling and its 3,000 local rides in England have had some 17,000 participants to date, with the governing body training 400 riders to become Breeze champions.
Armitstead, winner of the silver medal behind Marianne Vos in the Olympic road race in London last summer, said: “Jess and I are encouraging as many women as possible to get on their bikes and go on a Breeze bike ride. Cycling is a big part of my life and I want as many women out there to experience the fun and social side of riding a bike.
“It’s not as scary as you think because Breeze is here to help you start your cycling journey. From advice on learning how to ride through to local bike rides, Breeze is fantastic and accessible.”
Varnish, who rode the individual pursuit at London 2012 with Victoria Pendleton – the pair’s gold medal dreams were dashed after they were relegated due to an illegal changeover – added: “Cycling gives you a sense of freedom like nothing else. I’m proud to be involved in Breeze as it’s doing such a great job in breaking down the barriers and empowering women to get on their bikes.”
You can find out more about Breeze rides here – typically, they start and finish at a café which gives them a strong social aspect, are aimed at being friendly and informal and mostly include traffic-free routes, are suitable for all ages and abilities, and are described as being perfect for busy mothers or women who haven’t been on their bike for a while.
The small frame, the aggressive posture, lots of standover height.
As i've said before, the police should be sued for a lot of money when someone they have knowingly ignored has gone on to commit a serious crime....
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Good stuff. Now do it on cycleway C9 through Hammersmith to Chiswick.
It's technically allowed but it's not known as "London's Orbital Car Park" for nothing.
You're defending bombing hospitals and refugee camps and starving children.
Used car salesman is a complete attention-seeking plank....
I don't know if they're any better, but they's certainly become more boring.
At risk of being cynical, and stereotyping the police, it's so they don't have to leave the comfort of their panda cars and pursue on foot when...