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@cafewanda
From my experience my female friends won't consider cycling in London because of the heavy traffic and the perception that it is dangerous. Vanity might also play a part, along with cost of the bike and related clothing.
I started cycling after years spent watching the numbers of cyclists increase on my commute, coupled with the increase in my monthly travelcard costs and a deep loathing for using the underground during the rush hour. I learnt to ride at the age of 42 but didn't actually start riding consistently until I was 45. Now 4 years later I'm still scared but not enough to put me off cycling and I'm confident enough to hold the lane if I feel it makes me safer.
Cycle training helped me a lot and I'm not above having the occasional session just to remind me of best practice and reduce my propensity for 'dick' moves.
I try to encourage women I chat with to get on a bike but the 'dangerous traffic' view is difficult to overcome. Despite the low numbers I am encouraged by the increase I've seen since I first got on a bike. I'd like to see older women take up cycling too not just the younger ones.