Tips for female bikers at Cycle Show 2009

Women are to be encouraged onto bikes at the Cycle Show 2009, which takes place 9th – 11th October at Earls Court.

A “Girl’s Guide to Cycling” section of the show will include talks, seminars and demonstrations covering everything from a basic guide to biking right through to competing in races.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Half as many women as men cycle in Britain – a fact that has a knock on effect on the number of children who cycle. If we are ever to get the environmental and health benefits enjoyed by countries with high levels of cycling, we need to make it easy for every group in society to get on a bike.”

Why don’t more women cycle?

No one can be certain, but people have speculated that it has to do with the image of cycling as an overly-competitive and male-oriented pursuit, a fear of busy roads and even a perception that one cannot look stylish whilst cycling.

Another reason may be simply that not enough people currently do it. With cycling accounting for only 2 per cent of all journeys, a figure that is in national decline, most people will not know a regular cyclist.

Word of mouth – hearing about the benefits of two wheels from a friend or relation who actually does it – is always going to be a more successful means of encouraging cycling than any number of Olympic team wins, celebrity endorsements or government advertising campaigns.

The postive news is that in ‘communities’ where cycling becomes ‘visible’, such as London, once it starts to grow the results can be dramatic.

Cycle Show 2009 highlights

• Meet the experts responsible for today’s best bikes
• Try out 2010 commuter and mountain bikes on the test tracks
• Have a go at the indoor time trial
• Buy clothing, helmets, shoes, sunglasses and cycle lighting in the Cycle Store
• Watch spectacular aerial displays on the BMX street course and catch up with top cycling celebrities including Victoria Pendleton, Eddy Merckx, Jamie Staff, Nicole Cooke, the Atherton family plus many more.

Save money on your cycling

If you would like to buy Cycle Show 2009 tickets at a discounted rate call 0844 848 0132 and quote ETA when prompted.

The Cycle Show 2009 will be an excellent opportunity to shop around before buying cycle insurance – many providers charge extras that you can get included for free if you do your homework. For example, some insurance providers charge £27 for third party insurance to be added to your policy whilst others include it at no extra cost.

For example, every cycle insurance policy from www.ilovemybike.co.uk (Cycle Show stand D29) includes the following and costs from just 33 pence per day:

• Third party cover up to £5m
• Cover for theft, accidental damage and vandalism (new-for-old) RACE COVER INCLUDED
• Personal accident cover up to £20,000
• Breakdown recovery for your bicycle (worth £34 on its own)
• 90 days’ worldwide cover
• ‘Get You Home’ – a taxi home should your bike be stolen or damaged
• No claims discount up to 40%
• Discount of 40% for folding bikes

• Hire bike

Get an instant quote and get entered into a draw to win the gold-plated Brompton pictured right. The gold Brompton will be on display at stand D29 at the show.