Womens National Cycling Convention 30 April 2015 York Racecourse York

Cycle Alert’s Danni Lapham has been appointed as a cycling ambassador for the inaugural national conference on women’s cycling!

Hosted in York and organised by Landor Links, with an opening address by City of York Council chief Executive Kirsten England, this one-day event in York will focus on addressing the perceived barriers and obstacles to cycling in Britain: featuring presentations, roundtable workshops and discussions about the current projects, campaigns and research in this field.

In Holland 52% of all bicycle trips are made by women, whilst in the UK women account for just 27% of cycle commutes.

In order to encourage more UK cycling, Transport Planners and engineers must design and promote cycling facilities that appeal universally to both women and men. 

Unfortunately, women remain under-represented within the majority of transport planning and engineering teams who design the cycling facilities on our roads.

Women are also under-represented in the cycle industry, and the retail environment for bicycles could be improved to better cater for women.

“There remain barriers and challenges to encouraging more women to cycle. There are clearly anxieties about safety,” believes Kersten England, Chief Executive, York City Council. “If we are serious about a major shift there will need to be serious investment in making the road network safe for cyclists.”

I’m so grateful to be selected as a cycling ambassador in the beautiful city of York, and I encourage all those women who have ever thought of riding a bike to stop thinking and just do it!  A women we cannot wait for change; we have to become a PART of the change.  York is a magical place, an adventure playground for all cyclists, from beginners to professionals.  I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to work and play there.  Start cycling now and you will have a wonderful Summer 2015 and beyond!

Those in involved in the promotion, design and delivery of UK cycling infrastructure are encouraged to attend and help make our cycle infrastructure appeal universally.

Who should attend:

• Transport Planners
• Transport Engineers
• Cycle Campaigners
• Academics
• Councillors
• Bicycle Retailers
• NGOs
• Workplace Facility Managers
• Travel Planners
• Bicycle Wholesalers
• School teachers
• Cycle trainers

Confirmed Speakers include:

Kersten England, Chief Executive, York City Council

Carlton Reid, author of “Roads were not built for cars”

Rachel Aldred, Senior Lecturer, Westminster University

Isla Roundtree, Founder, Isla Bikes

Chris Garrisson, UK Media Relations, Trek Bikes

…and many more

Why attend?

Learn about the current initiatives that are working to give cycling facilities universal appeal. The latest research on the impact of issues such as bike maintenance, safety, cycle training, confidence, community, culture.

Meet practitioners from around the UK that are working in the field.
The objective for this event is to develop a network of women working across all areas of cycling.

Following on from the success of the Tour de France Grand Départ from Yorkshire last year, the council is now gearing up for Tour de Yorkshire this May. This will include the Tour de Yorkshire Sportive, a mass participation ride expected to attract thousands of amateur cyclists.

The mass ride will complement the council’s efforts to broaden the appeal of cycling. For example, a ‘bike rescue’ scheme is in place across York to distribute repaired cycles. “We want parents to see cycling as a life skill for their children in the same way as swimming,” says Kersten England.

Helping to address the safety issue in York, Cycle Alert operates on HGVs and buses locally as part of its broader projects with University of York and Nestle.  You can claim your free Cycle Alert tags online.

Get your tickets: Book now!