Until recently, women have been significantly underrepresented in the cycling industry, but is the increasing popularity of women’s competitive cycling creating an evolution?
On May 24th, the Ford RideLondon Classique UCI Women’s World Tour passes through Hertfordshire, crowds will line the streets, and will include many women and girls who have not previously attended a competitive cycling event, but what legacy will the race leave behind?
In 2022, British Cycling registered competitive events in Scotland attracted over three times as many male entrants, compared to female entries, and non-competitive events only fared slightly better. Overall, females made up 24% of event entries.
This month sees more than 120 of the world’s most elite female cyclists racing through three stages, covering Hertfordshire, Essex, and London, with stage one passing through Barley, Buckway and Buntingford.
Highway Cycles sponsored rider, Seraphina Harris, is part of Lee Valley Cycle Club, and the British Triathlon East Region Academy, the young rider has competed in the Super Series, which is a key part of the British Triathlon performance pathway.
“British Triathlon and Cycling and companies like Highway Cycles and Trek Bikes are continuing to encourage and support girls with cycling, and coupled with the promotion on social media and more TV coverage on races, it is creating more interest and fantastic new sporting role models.”
“I am really looking forward to the Women’s UCI race, it’s an awesome event that displays women’s cycling at its very best, with the world’s elite like Lizzie Deignan and the rest of the Lidl-Trek team taking to the streets, from London to Essex. The course produces three thrilling days of racing and encourages a frenzy of interest which hopefully will inspire more girls and woman to get into cycling, I for one will be looking forward to cheering them on.”
Additionally, there are hopes that the UCI Women’s race provides a welcome spotlight on Hertfordshire’s network, putting pressure on local authorities to further focus on the future of active travel, which starts with local infrastructure improvements.
Councillor Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council, said: “The UCI Women’s Cycling race passing through Hertfordshire is a great opportunity to witness the incredible prowess of elite female cycling. The cycle race also presents an opportunity to talk about encouraging cycling for all, and especially women and under-represented groups.”
“As someone who can’t drive, cycling has always been a part of my travel. However, I also have many conversations with people who would love to cycle for some of their local journeys, but who don’t feel safe to do so with the amount of traffic. With few alternatives to car use in more rural areas, it’s a tough nut to crack. However, a big part to changing the status quo, and designing areas for all users is in having conversations with decision-makers across all levels of government. We can all get involved with local consultations about road layout and active travel plans, and we can all contact our MPs and explain why we need better investment in infrastructure for all transport options. I would add too that Sunday mornings are a great time for getting out when the roads are quieter. There are so many lovely places to cycle in Hertfordshire, and with summer on the way, now is a great time to give it a try.”
Cycling UK quoted the UK as having a cycling culture dominated by men, where they make between 72% and 76% of all bike trips, respectively, but times are changing, women’s pro-cycling is continuing to boom.
Scott Sunderland, Ford RideLondon Classique Race Director, said: “We aspire to build a cycling legacy and you only need to see how many young people are on the roadside to know that the enthusiasm for this sport is continuing to grow. Developing women’s cycling and encouraging more people to cycle come with a responsibility and I am hugely excited at what we can continue to achieve in the years ahead.”
To find out more about the UCI Women’s Ford RideLondon race, visit: www.ridelondon.co.uk
For women’s bikes, accessories and apparel, drop into one of our stores, or visit us at: Highway Cycles | Hertfordshires Leading Independant Bike Shop
