Halfords increases invetment in women's cycling

Halfords today announces its continued investment in encouraging more women to cycle regularly with the introduction of 28 new women’s bikes this season. Sales of women’s bikes at the retailer have accounted for 25% of all bike sales in the last financial year. 
  
Recent research commissioned by the retailer shows that while 89 percent of women can ride a bike, only nine percent choose to cycle once a month. More than 20 percent of women say cycling on the road scares them, while 50 percent feel that the local council should give more attention and investment to cycling safety. 
  
As a result Halfords has partnered with British Cycling’s women’s cycle network, Breeze, the largest programme in Britain, designed specifically to get more women cycling. The partnership will involve workshops teaching women basic bike maintenance across most Halfords shops on the 26th June, promotion of the network and its benefits and bike mechanic support at key Breeze events. 
  
Halfords has also announced plans to introduce more women’s bikes to shops – adding more range and choice for women cyclists. 
  
Florence Isitt, Halfords’ women’s cycling expert says: “As female cyclists get ready for the summer and become inspired by the Olympics there really isn’t a better time to get pedalling. More women are taking up cycling as commuters, for serious fitness and for fun with friends, but we know more can, and should, be done to attract and support women.

“We want to break down the barriers by supporting networks like Breeze and stocking a wider range of female-specific bikes, helping empower more women to cycle. With these initiatives, we know there is a huge opportunity to appeal to more women and increase our market share by offering the most comprehensive range of women’s bikes and accessories on the high street.

“Heroes like Victoria Pendleton and Laura Trott have led the way and now it is time to follow their lead from the velodrome and race track to the roads and bridleways across the country.” 
       -ENDS-
For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7896 3404

For more information visit www.halfords.com or www.halfordscompany.com