Get bike confident
Whether you're curious, cautious, or ready to commit, cycling is waiting for you.Many women say they’d cycle more if they felt more confident or knew the best local routes [1]. That’s why we’re offering free sessions to help you get started or build your skills.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s ride!
Cycling is especially great for women
Cycling isn’t just a way to get from A to B: it’s fun, freeing, and fantastic for your health and wellbeing. Yet, across the UK, nearly 1 in 3 women say they’d like to cycle but don’t currently ride [2].
Cycling offers a unique blend of physical, mental, and social benefits and it’s especially empowering for women. From boosting fitness to reducing stress, it’s a low-impact activity that fits into busy lives.
Explore free bike activities in Eastleigh!
From quick safety checks and guided rides to skill and confidence sessions and trailer trials.
CycleTogether Eastleigh is an initiative by Eastleigh Borough Council to help make cycling part of your every day life no matter how experienced you are. In partnership with Sustrans, free sessions have been made available to encourage cycle confidence and safety. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this initiative makes cycling accessible to all.
Planning your route
There are a number of free online planning tools such as CycleStreets to help you plan a route. Many district and borough councils also have local walking and cycling maps for their area that show the locations of cycle routes.
Read more:
Why cycling is especially beneficial for women
Guide to saddle comfort for women
British Cycling: Women's Cycling
Whether you're cycling solo, with friends, or as a family, it’s a brilliant way to stay active, explore your local area, and enjoy quality time together. Kids love the speed and freedom of cycling, and there are plenty of ways to get started even before they have their own bikes.
Explore options for cycling with children:
Bike seats and trailers - Sustrans
Top Five Reasons Life's Better by Bike
It boosts your mood
Cycling is a great way to be active, as not only does it improve mood and self-esteem through feel-good hormones, but it also offers an opportunity to connect with others.
Socialising with friends and family can often help you feel better mentally, and what better way to do so than by enjoying the great outdoors with a social cycle?
It’s low impact
No matter who you are, cycling is low-impact as it relieves pressure on your joints. It also makes a great activity for those with a disability or differing needs. With a range of bikes available, including e-bikes, tricycles, and hand cycles, cycling continues to become more accessible. Many organisations now also provide companions for blind and visually impaired cyclists.
It gives nature a helping hand
The more we drop four wheels in favour of two, the better for the air that we breathe and for Hampshire’s environment.
Did you know that over 47% of carbon emissions in Hampshire come from transport, with over 65% of this coming from private vehicle use? This means that we can all do our bit to reduce our contribution to the county’s carbon emissions.
With 71% of car journeys in the UK being under five miles, you can make a huge difference with a small change when you swap your car for a bike.
It’s strength building
Cycling uses a range of muscles in your legs, abdomen, back and even your arms for stability. This can help to build strength and balance, which is important for a healthy body.
It lets you explore the outdoors
You go further when you cycle than when you walk, meaning you can explore new areas locally or across Hampshire. Where will you discover next?
How to get started
Accessing a bike
If you don’t own a bike, don’t worry. There are ways to access bikes for free or at low-cost, such as at second-hand bike shops or freecycle sites, which can help get you started on your cycling adventure.
East Hampshire locals can also access free cycle hire from Cycle Sphere.
Free cycle hire for East Hampshire residents
The Beryl bike scheme in Eastleigh enables people to hire bikes for low cost and with multiple pick-up points.
Join a community
The power of a like-minded community can do wonders for keeping you motivated as you swap your car for a bike. If you’re in Southampton, explore Love to Ride Solent, a free website and app that lets you track your rides, compete in challenges and talk with fellow cyclists.
Other resources
Free bike hire for East Hampshire residents | Cycle Sphere
Get cycling | My Journey Hampshire
Cycling safety and maintenance | My Journey Hampshire
Inclusive Cycling - Go Cycling | Bikeability
Cycle routes in the Hampshire Countryside | Hampshire County Council
The National Cycle Network | Sustrans
Finding Inclusive Support
Everyone deserves to feel empowered to get cycling, and there are lots of options for disabled people and those with differing needs.
Ready to take it one step further?
What better way to incorporate cycling into your day than by making it your commute?
You don’t have to go from zero to hero – even one or two days a week can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing, and to the local environment.
Here are our top tips for cycling to work:
- Speak to other cycling commuters
There may be a staff network or colleague you can speak to for advice on routes and facilities - Plan the route
It's likely that cycling a different route to the one you drive will be more enjoyable, especially if you’re using cycle paths and travelling through green spaces - Consider a test ride
At the weekend to help you gauge how long the ride will take - Don’t worry about riding the whole way
It might be that you reduce the distance by using public transport or driving some of the way if necessary - Think about what you’ll be wearing
A change of clothes and warm layers will make a big difference to your comfort and overall warmth, especially in the colder months - Consider some equipment to help
You carry things on your bike, such as panniers, courier bags or bike packing bags – they’ll make a big difference, and you can often get them second hand.