So, January is over. The New Year festivities have faded into memory, and so, probably, have some of your New Year’s resolutions. But not, we hope, the one about getting out on your bike more.
2018 is a special year for Cyclechic; it’s our tenth anniversary! That’s right, ten years ago, one woman’s search for a stylish cycling helmet came up empty. But rather than settle for second best, she set up the first company to import Bern helmets into the UK.
Since then Cyclechic has expanded into selling a wide range of stylish cycle clothing, bags and panniers, accessories and other gifts.
Our mission was to provide women with everything they needed to look amazing, feel safe and secure, and be inspired to cycle more frequently.
That’s why we were disappointed to read in a recent BBC News article that ‘about 50% fewer women than men cycle twice a week or more, according to walking and cycling charity Sustrans, and when it comes to cycling on the roads, the number drops again.’
Several key reasons for this statistic appear to be sexual harassment, safety fears, and lack of stylish or properly fitting cycle clothing.
Though the article makes dispiriting reading, it also contains some more optimistic stories of women who have bucked the trend. In fact it’s inspired us to make our tenth anniversary the year we go all out to get more women back in the saddle.
We’ve come up with the following five key objectives and we’ll be running articles throughout the year showing how to overcome your doubts, and spend more time on two wheels.
1. Aim for something:
And we’re not talking about taking on a 100 mile sportive here, though that’s one idea. Whether it’s big or small, beating a personal best, or simply cycling to work once a week, aim to try something new this year. We’ll be making some suggestions and letting you know what we’ve tried over the next twelve months.
2. Conquer your fear:
Pushing off from the pavement, and fighting it out with the busy city traffic can be intimidating. But you’ll feel a whole lot more confident if you’re wearing the right safety gear and fully kitted out to make you visible to other road users. We’ll be highlighting our helmets, reviewing our high-vis wear, and giving you some safety tips, to turn you into a fearless freewheeler.
3. Stay stylish in the saddle:
Let’s face it, fluorescent jackets and spandex shorts are not going to cut it in the boardroom, and this often puts women (and men) off from commuting into work. At Cyclechic we feel you’re pain, and that’s why all our cyclewear has to pass the style, as well as safety, test before we get it into stock. We’ll be focusing on some of our favourite cycling clothing that is equally at home at work as it is on the road.
4. Cycle whatever the weather:
Nobody likes turning up to work, or to a party, dripping wet or freezing cold. But with the right cycling clothing you’ll be able to brave those inclement days with confidence. Don’t miss the fun of riding through puddles, or braving a bracing winter’s day to meet you’re friends at that cosy pub. We’ll be showing you what to wear so that you won’t have to worry about the weather.
5. Reignite your cycling passion:
Whether it’s taking part in an organised event, or simply going out for a spin with the rest of the family at the weekend, why not make 2018 the year you rediscover why cycling can be such fun. We’ll be writing about some of our favourite cycling festivals, and rediscovering some new ones. Who knows, maybe we’ll see you at one of them.
Cycling is growing in popularity all the time, which is great. This year, more than ever, Cyclechic will strive to find ways to make it more inclusive and help get more women riding than ever before. We look forward to you joining us on that journey.
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