Fifteen years ago, a budding female cyclist channelled her frustration at the lack of women’s cycling apparel, and got to work on a project that would soon become more than just a passion.
As a young, urban rider, Caz Conneller felt concerned.
All around her, was cycling attire that had been generically designed for practicality and masculinity, and not for young women, who were noticeable lacking in trendy, or even pleasant, bike accessories.
With already very few young female cyclists seemingly about, Caz felt the lack of investment in her gender, could lead to a continual decline in interest.
The author of The Girls’ Cycle Handbook said: “I was in my late 20’s, a fashion conscious woman, and had begun cycling to work, to avoid the dreaded, sweaty tube ride, and quickly noticed a market crying out for attention. Throughout history, women have been able to cycle and look stylish at the same time, but now, there were no trendy accessories, for those of us that wanted to cycle hard, but look good, too. This is when I began to formulate a business plan for Cyclechic.”
From its fruition in 2008, Cyclechic has grown from strength-to-strength, and has now become the leading online retailer for stylish cycling accessories; from helmets, bags, panniers and baskets to gloves, through to much needed rainwear, with the brand becoming the: “antithesis of all things Lycra-clad.”
After marvelling at the success of Cyclechic, Caz decided to promote a new venture, She’s Electric.
Caz said: “The She’s Electric campaign was launched this year, and is about getting women confident in being more active on both bikes, and e-bikes. The aim of the campaign was to inspire and empower women to cycle more, and to address the gender gap in cycling.”
She’s Electric helps women to overcome any barriers they might have with cycling, such as not feeling fit or confident enough, by demonstrating the power of e-bikes or, for those with busy lives that needed to carry children/ items, e-cargos.
“We wanted the campaign to be an all-inclusive, community-led initiative, to encourage women to be confident getting on the saddle. Last month, we launched our first engagement event, and it was an absolute hit. Every woman that approached us not only felt relaxed doing test rides in a safe environment, but ended up leaving newly enamoured at the prospect of purchasing an e-bike, and implementing it into their daily routines.”
She adds: “Currently, research illustrates that men are making significantly more short haul trips by bike, than women, so we are ensuring that “She’s Electric” has an environmental impact, too. If we can get even more ladies doing the school run, the food shop, or just a leisurely meeting with friends on an e-bike, then we’re successfully lowering emissions and congestion.”
She’s Electric has been transformative, for women’s cycling, with female-led empowerment, allowing many to embrace a new, active life on two wheels, with confidence.
Cyclechic are always looking for collaborators and role models, visit: www.cyclechic.co.uk
Want help taking the first step in your e-journey? Our experts are on hand to help you. Pop in store, or visit: www.highwaycycles.co.uk
