Trustee, Val French receives deserved recognition from British Cycling for her Breeze Programme volunteering

Breeze, so named to capture the fun and freedom of cycling, was set up in 2011 alongside Sport England and with the support of National Lottery funding to inspire ordinary women to discover or rediscover the joy of riding bikes. The Breeze programme is built around a network of women’s cycling ‘champions’ who act as women’s cycling ‘activators’ at a local level, leading social rides, offering support, inspiration, and guidance for women in their local area.

The UK-wide programme, which offers women of all ages and abilities the chance to cycle via fun, free female-led rides has gone from strength to strength since its inception in England, with 324 and 249 Breeze Champions in Wales and Scotland respectively helping nearly 28,000 women experience the benefits of cycling since 2014.

To mark the milestone, British Cycling will be paying thanks throughout June to the trained volunteers and participants who have made the initiative so successful.

The celebrations, which will encourage women to take part in rides in June, will see British Cycling launch new coaching and training opportunities and share the unique stories of Breeze Champions who have helped to create change.

One such Breeze Champion is PRITC Trustee, Val French, a ride leader since 2011, whose 650 rides – and counting – has seen her clock up the most rides in the programme.

British Cycling Programmes Lead, Karen Harvey, who helped to mark Val’s landmark 500th ride in 2019, said: “HSBC UK Breeze has been so successful because of the tireless work of inspirational Breeze Champions like Val, who organises rides all year round.

“To lead so many rides shows amazing dedication, and I hope that she will continue to support and inspire more women to discover the benefits of cycling on their own terms and ride for many years to come.”

Danielle Every, British Cycling’s Cycling Delivery Director, added: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s been involved with the HSBC UK Breeze journey so far, from Sport England who funded the initiative back in 2011, to HSBC UK and of course our Breeze Champions who continue to blaze the trail today. Through this programme, thousands of women have built skills, confidence, fitness and friendships and discovered the joys of cycling on and off the road.

“Despite the huge disruption of the last year, it’s been heartening to see so many familiar – and new - faces take part in rides as restrictions have been eased. We’re looking forward to growing the programme further and have plans to train a further 300 women as volunteer Breeze Campions this year, as well as launching an exciting new partnership with Forestry England.”

Sam Robson, Head of the British Cycling Partnership at HSBC UK, said: “Knowing that so many women have discovered – or rediscovered – the joys of cycling through HSBC UK Breeze since 2011 is a real testament to the fantastic work of our volunteers, colleagues and customers to make this one of the most impactful programmes.

“Achieving this new milestone of 320,000 riders is no mean feat, and its essence is what our partnership is all about - supporting UK communities to be greener, fitter and healthier.”

Phil Smith, Executive Director of Sport, Sport England said: "Thanks to the players of the National Lottery, more women are able to ride their bikes in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. Through the growth of the Breeze programme creating a growing number of cycling champions to help support and inspire women, more women than ever before are enjoying the benefits of being active."

June marks the tenth anniversary of HSBC UK Breeze. Help us celebrate our tenth birthday by joining us on a ride near you on Breeze’s big birthday weekend (Friday 25 - Sunday 27 June). Visit www.letsride.co.uk to find out more.

*article courtesy of British Cycling