Women’s Virtual Cycle Festival is huge success

The annual Ayrshire Women’s cycle festival, which attracts hundreds of women each year, had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Active Travel Hub teams based in Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock, sprang into action organising a free virtual festival.

Over 200 people from 26 countries took part in the exciting programme of events, which included live webinars featuring a range of topics like cycling to work and the amazing adventures women have undertaken by bike across the world. The team also held a mini film festival featuring nine uplifting and inspirational films of women who are passionate about cycling.

Councillor Jim Roberts, East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure said: “I am delighted for the team that their hard work and ingenuity paid off. Women from 26 countries participated in the festival, which had a very varied programme. From women talking about dodging bears and snakes in America, to the freedom that cycling brought to the women of Afghanistan and closer to home women spoke to the importance of cycling for travel and leisure.

“While initially it was disappointing that this year’s Ayrshire Women’s cycle festival had to be cancelled, the virtual festival engaged with even more people, helping to encourage a passion for cycling and underline the importance of active travel for a greener, healthier future.”