Lady Pedal empowers Hannah and her friends

Lady Pedal is a new cycling group set up in Manchester with the aim of encouraging women of all ages and from all walks of life to cycle.

Formed with support from Cycling UK, the group gets together regularly to talk about cycling, plan events, and help women to feel safe and confident on Manchester’s roads.

One keen Lady Pedal member, Hannah Milton said: “I have been interested in cycling and bicycle mechanics for a long time. When I moved to Manchester the bicycle became my main vehicle and I wanted to learn more about how to repair it and encourage others to do the same.

“I was told about the Lady Pedal project by three different friends, independently, who thought I should get involved. I got in touch with the girls and immediately was interested in the idea and got stuck in."

Lady Pedal came into my life at a moment when I really needed something to get my teeth into. I feel empowered to make real change and capable of inspiring people to get cycling.

Hannah Milton

“Through Lady Pedal I have had the opportunity to train in bicycle mechanics with City & Guilds, gaining a recognised qualification. I have also developed many ‘soft skills’ related to organisation, community development, project management, events organising and marketing," Hannah said.

“As a result of participating, I have a supportive group of proactive female friends, something which I often lack in social circles.

“I feel empowered to make real change and capable of inspiring people to get cycling. I have already used my new skills both to help Lady Pedal attendees and in my personal circles. I have also built a great network of cycling contacts," Hannah said.

“Lady Pedal came into my life at a moment when I really needed something to get my teeth into. I couldn't have found a more appropriate project. If I hadn’t got involved in Lady Pedal, I'm not sure I would still be in Manchester.”

Another benefit of Lady Pedal is Katherine York - a regular cyclist for a long time, but someone who has discovered new skills thanks to Lady Pedal.

Katherine didn’t know how to fix a puncture and never did any maintenance - her bike seemed to just maintain itself. She had also never been in any cycling-related groups before but became interested after hearing about the Lady Pedal project through a friend.

I’ve made new friends and appreciate having a female group to socialise with. I’m really happy that I discovered cycling and would like to share that with other people.

Katherine York

Since becoming involved with Lady Power, Katherine has learnt how to maintain her bike thanks to the Intermediate Bike Maintenance day organised by Cycling UK in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.

She has also played a big part in organising the Lady Pedal festival at Alexandra Park in Manchester - a celebration of women’s cycling for all ages and abilities. 

Katherine said: “I thought it would be fun to put on a festival. It was really good and felt like we had really achieved something, and it was great to see other people getting interested in cycling, particularly just passers-by.

“I’ve made new friends and appreciate having a female group to socialise with. I already worked in the transport sector but being part of Lady Pedal has reinforced my commitment. I’m really happy that I discovered cycling and would like to share that with other people.”