Support for Bicyclette to power up female social cycling
The inaugural Bicyclette bike ride to power up participation of women and girls in social cycling wheeled through Brisbane in October 2021 with support from Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld).
Hundreds of women of all levels and abilities took part in the all female owned, run and participated cycling event and made their way along a 25km or 50km course from Northshore Riverside Park to the Wynnum Manly region via the Story and Gateway bridges on Sunday 10 October 2021.
HWQld Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Littlewood, said Health and Wellbeing Queensland was proud to sponsor the inaugural Bicyclette.
“Evidence tells us cycling can be particularly beneficial for women’s health and wellbeing and that 60% of Australian women would like to cycle more than they currently do,” Dr Littlewood said.
“Bike riding is a great way to exercise while having fun and there are so many benefits of being active. Queensland women are 11% less likely to be sufficiently active than men; and girls 19% less likely to be active daily than boys. We need to support women to make physical activity part of their daily routines, by creating safe and fun environments where they can feel comfortable and empowered.”
Dr Littlewood said survey data showed the most important motivations for women to cycle were health and fitness, fun and enjoyment and getting outside. “Bicyclette is here to support all women and girls wanting to take up or to continue cycling in a nurturing and friendly environment,” Dr Littlewood said.
Founder of Bicyclette and Director of Chem Events Emily Manchon said the Bicyclette was set to be a unique, social and fun day out on the bike.
“The format of this event provides new riders with a safe introduction into road cycling as well as suited to those cyclists already taking to the road several times a week. With a police escort, support vehicles and cycling guides, each participant virtually gets their own closed road ride around Brisbane,” Ms Manchon said.
“This is the first women’s only cycling event in Queensland, and females of all ages were invited to attend, on whatever bike they have available to them.”
From the makers of the Brisbane BMW & Westside BMW Ride For Life Challenge, the event followed a similar style, except it was just for women and girls.
The ride raised funds for Rare Ovarian Cancer.
It also featured a women’s health expo at the finish area, to provide participants with further resources and advice to support their nutrition, physical activity and wellbeing.
To learn more about Bicyclette, visit their Facebook page.
