#AndSheCycles
We want to widen access to equipment and share knowledge so more teenage girls in Scotland choose to cycle.
Kayla-Marie
I feel way more confident cycling because of the #AndSheCycles sessions.
I used to not be able to do ramps or pump tracks but now I feel like I can do it.
What is #AndSheCycles?
#AndSheCycles aims to address the barriers faced by teenage girls and young women in Scotland when cycling.
We want to help schools and youth organisations to empower and encourage teenage girls to get on bikes by creating safe spaces for them to cycle.
It is inspired by and is working in collaboration with the Green Schools Ireland campaign of the same name.
The campaign is inclusive of trans and intersex women and girls, as well as non-binary and gender fluid people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experience of young women.
#AndSheCycles was co-developed in 2020 by a group of young women, aged 13 to 18, across Scotland from 14 different schools, youth groups and colleges.
Through a series of interactive workshops, these young people identified the main barriers preventing them from choosing to cycle.
Some of the most significant barriers were to do with image:
- they don’t see other girls cycling
- they perceive cycling to be ‘uncool’
- they’ve been told they shouldn’t cycle
- they feel embarrassed or self-conscious.
These working groups led to the establishment of girls-only cycling clubs and the #AndSheCycles TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram accounts, tackling lack of visibility.
How can teenagers get involved?
We are helping senior pupils to encourage more girls in their school, college or youth group to get back on their bikes.
The #AndSheCycles Ambassador Programme is a pupil-led initiative, supported by school staff and Sustrans Scotland.
Senior pupils, over 16 years old, and staff will be offered training and support to help set up and run their own #AndSheCycles groups.
Find out more about the #AndSheCycles ambassador programme.
Girls and young women can also join the online #AndSheCycles movement on Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
These pages are designed to encourage discussion, share knowledge and resources, and empower teenage girls to cycle.
Join the conversation
The #AndSheCycles social media accounts are intended to encourage discussion, share knowledge and resources, and empower teenage girls.
How can school staff and youth leaders get involved?
We have developed an interactive workshop for school staff and youth group leaders to engage teenage girls and young women.
The aim of this workshop is to spark a discussion and encourage them to develop their own action plans.
The sessions should explore the cycling experience of the group, address the barriers and attitudes towards cycling among their peers and create a group action plan to help address the gender gap in cycling.
Plus, #AndSheCycles funding is available to help bring your action plans to life.
We have two different versions of the workshop to suit how much time you have and the needs of your group:
Version one consists of three parts with each session lasting around 50 minutes, which is two and a half hours in total.
This version is a shorter standalone session lasting around 50 minutes in total.
Find out more about the resources available for teachers in Scotland.
Run your own #AndSheCycles group
The #AndSheCycles team can provide support, advice and funding to help you establish your own group at your school or youth group.
The #AndSheCycles groups provide young women with a safe space to improve their cycling confidence, go on cycling adventures with their friends or even learn to ride a bike for the first time.
If you would like more information about #AndSheCycles or would like to get involved, please get in touch.