Visit Sustrans at the Vitality Show 26 - 29 March, 2009
Closing the gender gap in cycling will not only help to improve women's health but could also boost their bank balances. Sustrans will be at this year's Vitality Show at Earls Court 2 (26 - 29 March), to show women how.
Research from Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, shows that 79 per cent of British women don't cycle at all1, but taking to two wheels could significantly improve their health and wellbeing.
Sustrans' Kate Jones will be at the tenth annual Vitality Show this year, which is the UK 's largest health, beauty, fitness, healthy-eating and wellbeing event for women.
Kate said: 'Cycling is a great way for women to get in shape and stay in shape. It can be incorporated into the daily routine - cycling to work or to the shops instead of driving, for instance - and regular cyclists can expect to be as fit as an average person ten years younger!'
To try and redress the gender imbalance in cycling, www.bikebelles.org.uk has been launched by Sustrans this month. The brand new website includes information specifically for women on how to start cycling, what to wear and where to go.
As well as bringing fitness benefits, cycling can be a money-saver too. Over a lifetime, the average woman will spend a staggering £150,164 in their bid to lose weight and shape-up2 through things like gym membership and weight-loss products. But, keeping and maintaining a bike costs an average of just £75 a year, a fraction of keeping a car.
Kate continued: 'Cycling is a cheap, zero-carbon method of travel and there's no need to invest in special clothes or equipment - a bike is all anyone needs to get started!'
All visitors to the Sustrans stand at the Vitality Show will have the chance to win a brand new £569 Diva ladies Dutch bike in lilac, complete with bell, lock, lights and a basket, donated by Littlehampton Dutch Bike Shop.
To find out more about visiting the Vitality Show, visit www.thevitalityshow.co.uk or for more information about Sustrans' work please visit www.sustrans.org.uk
Source: Sustrans
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