Cash offered to persuade more women to cycle to work
- Women on Wheels scheme aims to get more women cyclists on the road
- TFGM is giving away £400 cash grants as an incentive
A ‘be-spoke’ cash offer is being made to community groups to persuade more women to cycle to work.
The Women on Wheels 2017 initiative was started by Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) aiming to narrow the gap between men and women, who out-cycle women to work as much as four times throughout the UK.
They are offering cycle clubs, groups and organisations the chance to apply for funding up to £400 towards events and festivals to get more bums on seats.
Hundreds across Greater Manchester took part in last year’s Women on Wheels campaign, with many events selling out almost immediately.
Keen cyclist Ann Butler helped organise an event for women’s cycling group Burnden Belles last year.
She said: “The day was a huge success. We were inundated with ladies wanting to attend, some even buying their first bike, or replacing their old one, especially for the event.
“One lady had a mechanical fault with her bike whilst riding home and was able to fix it herself with what she'd learnt.”
TfGM environment chief Helen Smith said: “Previous Women on Wheels events have proven to be extremely popular, with hundreds of people signing up for over 60 events across the region this year alone, and we want to build on that success in 2017.
“Getting people cycling helps them to live happier, longer and healthier lives and also makes our towns and cities nicer places to live.”
The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday. For more information email [email protected].