The Zest Cycle Smart campaign: what's it all about?
Despite there being three times as many male cyclists as female, a report from Transport for London in 2008 found that 86% of cyclist deaths on the capital's roads were women.
It's a scary statistic and one that we as female cyclists can start to do something about: by cycling sfely and cycling smart. Educating yourself in how to avoid the dangers of bike riding is the way to keep yourself safe on two wheels. And it's also, we believe, the way to encourage more women to take up cycling as a useful means of transport or fitness activity.
Read our women's guide to cycling
We're urging all female cyclists, from novices to seasoned pros, to take advantage of the many cycle safety courses on offer nationwide and to take your safety into your own hands.
And once you've done it, we want you to shout about it. Spread the word by tweeting with the hashtag #ZestCycleSmart so more women can see the benefits that just a few hours of training can bring.
Here's where to find a course:
CTC: This cycle training organisation covers the whole of the UK. Find a qualified trainer near you via its website ctc.org.uk Prices vary, but start at around £15-£20 per hour.
Cycle Training UK: the biggest independent provider of on-road cycle training in the country, it offers courses all over the UK. A private training session costs £35 an hour, but may be subsidised by your local council. Visit cycletraining.co.uk
TFL: Free and subsidised cycle training is available for everyone in most London boroughs. Check out tfl.gov.uk to fin out more.
Bikeability: This Givernment-backed scheme provides free courses for children, but can link adults to a training provider in their area too. See dft.gov.uk/bikeability
