How to encourage more women to cycle?

Hi. Just came across this. I'm an LCC member too. My two bits to add to what's been said on safety, numbers etc:

[*]Somewhere to store bike clobber and get cleaned up at work. Many women aren't necessarily vain** but their employers and society dictates that they get dressed and made up for work. I work in jeans most days but it's not an option for many women.** I also agree that showers aren't necessary but people who don't cycle don't necessarily know that so maybe some practical points on commuting by the LCC taking into account women's particular needs?

I think this is a massive issue for many- when was the last time you cycled through the city and didn't see a woman (overly) dressed up?

I had a session recently with a couple of women (mid/late thirties both mothers with young-ish children) with massive fears of Jamaica Rd (North bound), where there are two difficult and potentially dangerous junctions with big left hand turns that cut straight across the cycle lane and their turn off (a right turn off a major road cutting across fast moving traffic).

By the end of their second session they'd really mastered how to do and had beaten their fears. However the only way I could achieve this was by me giving up some of my time for free. There's NO WAY I could have given such a comprehensive lesson within their allocated time. It's something I've always done (which has got me into trouble in other areas of work).

As soon as something is free most do not value it, so, if by the end of someone's 2hrs of council funded training we've only got half way through the syllabus, how likely is that someone to then put their hand in their own pocket to fund the gap in their knowledge? Some may go on riding the the belief they're fine but I've met people that have had sessions but still didn't feel up to riding on roads.

With comprehensive sessions and uniform standards in those giving the sessions I believe the overwhelming majority would ride on a regular basis.