British Cycling is running an online survey to identify the key barriers that are preventing women from cycling. The results will be used to create an exciting programme of activities designed to get more women on their bikes by 2013.

Britain is enjoying a cycling boom and participation in the sport is dramatically increasing, with 1.88 million people cycling by the end of 2009, an increase of 113,000 people compared to 2008, according to Sport England’s Active People Survey.

However, the gap between male and female participation is widening and currently only 2.3% British women cycle each week, compared to 6.8% of men. British Cycling believes more can be done to reverse this trend and is encouraged by the fact that women quote cycling as the second most popular activity they would like to take up after swimming.

British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said: “Cycling is growing at a staggering rate and we want to make sure women are part of this trend by creating cycling opportunities that fit around their lifestyles and needs. But first we need to understand what is preventing them from taking up our sport, so we would like to encourage women to share their views and experiences with us via our website.”

Together with its partners Sport England and Sky, British Cycling wants to get 125,000 more people cycling once per week and one million more people cycling once per month by 2013. British Cycling is currently working with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation to develop initiatives that appeal to women.

Women interested in shaping the future of cycling in Britain are invited to complete a short online survey by going to the British Cycling homepage (www.britishcycling.org.uk) and clicking on Recreation.