After struggling to find clothing, accessories and advice relevant to her, Caz Nicklin started a blog aimed at getting more women cycling. She now runs her own retail brand selling fashionable cycling clothing to women, and is campaigning in Kent to improve cycling facilities.

Caz Nicklin said…

“I started Cyclechic.co.uk in 2008 on a mission to get more women to cycle. 

“I had started cycling in London myself and was totally inspired by my new mode of transport but also frustrated by the geeky, sporty image cycling had at that time. 

“I found it hard to find a nice bike and stylish accessories, not to mention some good advice that felt relevant to me. 

“So, I set about changing that. I could see that cycling had a vintage appeal and was beginning to become trendy, and I wanted to harness that and promote it as stylish and appealing to get more women on bikes.

“I started out writing a blog, London Cycle Chic, showcasing bicycle style and offering tips and advice for women who wanted to cycle but were put off, either by safety concerns or by logistical barriers. 

“I soon gained followers and decided to try selling stylish bike helmets from my blog. I was the first retailer to sell Bern helmets as bike helmets (previously, they had only been sold as snowboarding helmets), and before long I had customers and press interest from the likes of Time Out, The Observer and Vogue magazine. 

“This coverage was a game-changer and allowed me to set up a fully-fledged e-commerce business selling a range of stylish bike accessories. 

My proudest achievement is the customers who I have spoken to over the years who have said that Cyclechic – our message, brand and products – had given them the push they needed to start cycling. This makes me so happy

Caz Nicklin

“I have written articles for The Sunday Times and The Guardian about cycling and the new breed of fashion-conscious cyclist, and in 2015 published The Girl’s Bicycle Handbook.

“But my proudest achievement is the customers who I have spoken to over the years who have said that Cyclechic – our message, brand and products – had given them the push they needed to start cycling. This makes me so happy. 

“From my very early days selling helmets from a flat in Chiswick to today, talking to NHS workers and helping them get the right accessories to help them on their cycling journey, the contact and conversations I have with my customers are the best things about what I do.”

Cyclechic is currently giving all NHS workers 20% off helmets.