Female cyclists are needed to support a new network of fun, local bike rides for women designed to help close the gender gap between the numbers of men cycling compared to women.

The Breeze network of women-only rides is all about bike riding for fun, in small sociable groups, on local, accessible routes.

It is looking for enthusiastic women who are confident on a bike and keen to share their passion with other women by training as a volunteer local Breeze champion at their nearest workshop on Sunday, 9 October from 8.45am to 5pm at the Tipton Sports Academy in Wednesbury Oak Road, Tipton.

Women interested in becoming a Breeze champion who are unable to attend October training can register for another series of training courses to be held in selected locations in the spring.

Three times more men get on a bike for fun than women according to research by Sport England. Almost 500 women have volunteered to train as Breeze champions and help close this gap since the network launched in May this year.

Breeze champions are inspirational women who make a difference to their local community by organising free, informal bike rides to help women enjoy the benefits of getting on a bike.

Training is free and will lead to a British Cycling qualification designed to boost skills and confidence organising and leading bike rides in small groups.

Natalie Justice, Breeze Network Programme Manager for British Cycling, said: “We know there are thousands more women who would like to go on bike rides more often, but may need a little help and support to do so.

“Our Breeze champions are inspirational women who genuinely want to make a tangible difference to people’s lives and their communities by helping to make bike rides more fun, friendly and accessible for others.

“We’re looking to recruit around 1,000 champions by 2013, and need keen female cyclists in every local area to help us make a prolonged impact on the future of cycling in Britain for women.”

Anyone choosing to become a volunteer will be fully trained, supported and kitted out by British Cycling.

You don’t need to be an expert cyclist – just comfortable on a bike and enthusiastic.

Women interested in training as a local champion can contact British Cycling at [email protected] or on 0161 274 2117.