Encouraging more people to ride
Bridging the Gender gap in cycling
Supported by the HSE
Bike for LifeBike for Life is a new programme aimed at bringing casual cyclists together in a social setting and giving them greater confidence to spend more time on the road.
Cycling Ireland is behind the scheme which aims to make cycling more accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability. It is based on the same principle as the Breeze Rides network in the UK which aims to attract one million more women into cycling over the coming years.
The focus of the 10 week programme is to instil confidence in cyclists by teaching them skills for all situations, while having a major focus on fun and social interaction. Small local groups will come together, led by a qualified cycling coach, and be brought through topics like nutrition and goal setting and bike maintenance before heading off on a short group spin.
Matt Cooper from Today FM is an ambassador for the programme. “Bike for Life should transform how people view cycling. It’s a new programme that connects people who want to improve their cycling, no matter what level they are at,” he said at the formal launch of the programme in Dublin.
One of the aims of Bike for Life is to close the gender gap in cycling, where 85% of the Cycling Ireland membership is currently male. It also aims to communicate with all people who want to cycle more, but are unsure where to begin.
International cyclist Caroline Ryan believes this programme will benefit everyone saying “I came into cycling late, from a rowing background, and fell in love with the bike. Bike for Life is the perfect transition into cycling for everyone, whether they have just bought their bike, or like me have come from another sport. I think Bike for Life will be particularly appealing to women, given the nature of the meet and spin groups.”
Sponsored by the HSE “Get Ireland Active” initiative, Bike for Life will be instrumental in developing a strong cycling culture in Ireland, where we are experiencing a cycling boom.
“Cycling is a non-weight bearing activity that is easy on your joints, making it an inclusive health enhancing physical activity,” said Nazih Eldin, Head of Health Promotion in the HSE, Nazih Eldin.


Women CyclingRead more about Cycling on Sport for Business
Subscribe to our free Daily News Digest
Read more about membership of Sport for Business 
The Business of Women’s Sport – June 20th at UCD Smurfit Business School
header-1
Sport for Business is a subscription based community that develops innovative ideas to bring sport and business closer together with many mutual benefits.
Sports organisations and businesses can avail of membership of Sport for Business for a monthly subscription that costs between €25 and €90, depending on size.
In return you get unique intelligence and analysis of the commercial world of Irish sport; a monthly programme of networking events enabling them to connect with sporting and business leaders and a platform to showcase your projects in sport. Click here to find out more.
Sport for Business articles are free to view for a time limited period before being added to our comprehensive archive of over 1000 articles on the commercial world of Irish sport.