Sign up for women-only HSBC Breeze Rides in Castle Park and Havers Lane in Bishop's Stortford this spring

Emily Tickridge, community engagement officer at East Herts Council, looks ahead to the HSBC Breeze Rides - women's group cycling sessions led by trained volunteers - that are coming to Bishop's Stortford this spring...

HSBC Breeze Rides are rolling in to Bishop's Stortford this spring in Castle Park and Havers Lane. The women-led, women-only group cycle rides are an initiative from British Cycling to increase female participation in cycling.

HSBC Breeze Rides are led by Breeze Ride Champions; volunteers who are fully trained in supporting their Breeze Ride group. All of our Breeze Ride Champions are being trained by British Cycling, setting them up to motivate and support women cyclists across Bishop's Stortford.

Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and East Herts Community Lottery, our Breeze Ride Champion training has been offered free to all volunteers.

HSBC Breeze Rides are a fantastic opportunity for women to take up cycling or reintroduce themselves back into the saddle. Before you think, 'this isn't for me, I don't do lycra, nor do I have a road bike', you don't need all the gear. The rides offer gentle fitness progression and a confidence-building riding experience, all with the support of your own Breeze Ride Champion.

There are three levels of rides – easy going, steady and challenging – so all levels of ability are welcome and catered for.

The rides are designed to offer individual support, help you discover new places and make new friends. Most importantly, the rides are delivered in a fun and encouraging environment.

So, whatever your goals, HSBC Breeze Rides are the perfect start to your cycling journey.

Partnering the HSBC Breeze Rides is Active East Herts, the community sports network for the East Herts district. Active East Herts aims to increase physical activity and participation in sport and exercise and will be steering the rides in Havers Lane.

Adam Howard, sport events and project officer, said: "We have worked with HSBC Breeze Rides for a number of years, and the volunteer Breeze Ride Champions are the most committed and engaged individuals we have met. They make cycling fun, accessible and sociable. The ride leaders are the reason HSBC Breeze Rides continue to be a success.

"We are thrilled to be supporting this initiative and look forward to kickstarting the rides in Bishop's Stortford."

HSBC Breeze Rides at Castle Park are part of a £2 million project, backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which is set to transform the park in the coming years. At the heart of the project is a commitment to enhance the offering of community activities at the park.

To find out more about HSBC Breeze Rides, visit www.letsride.co.uk/breeze. Keep a lookout on the Friends of Castle Park website at friendsofcastlepark.net to sign up to HSBC Breeze Rides this spring.