Featured image: Harry Platt

Ahead of the Lights Up bike ride on 9 November, celebrating key issues around women and cycling, aAh! Magazine speaks to Beatrice Cathro Wears from Bee Pedal Ready. Beatrice has been a keen cyclist all her life. She joined Bee Pedal Ready when she moved to Manchester and is now a qualified ride leader.

How did you get into cycling and Bee Pedal Ready?

I was really fortunate when I was young that I was taught to ride a bike. We had an open bike shed and all kids from the street put their bikes in the shed. So many children don’t have that experience. When I moved to Manchester I didn’t know anyone, and I feel best when I’m out in nature. Belinda invited me to one of her rides and the more I went on, the more amazing places I saw. This drew me into the city. I became a ride leader in the summer, trained as a first aider and now I’ve led some rides and worked on lots of different projects.

What does cycling mean to you?

It’s really special. One of my favourite things is the feeling of wind against my face. It feels really freeing. When I cycle somewhere really beautiful I think: “I got myself here. I’m really lucky that I have a body that can work in this way and that I have a bike.” It’s not a given that you’d have mobility or access to this. It’s a privilege.

What do you want people to have access to in cycling?

Everyone should have the option to learn how to ride a bike, whatever type of bike that is. The same bike is not going to work for everyone. I want there to be opportunities to borrow a bike, to have access to bikes, to be part of a sharing cooperative. And for it to be safe. Fairness and safety.

Is there anything that’s surprised you about Manchester’s cycling culture?

In other places I’ve lived I’ve never joined a group. I’m interested in community and talking to someone I’m meeting. What Belinda’s created here feels very special. The feedback I get from rides is that people feel very welcome, and that feels like a very big part of cycling. I don’t want to go so fast that I miss the opportunity to speak to someone, or that I miss the beautiful place we’re cycling through.

Manchester is the first European Capital of Cycling. What do you think about this title?

It’s a very cool accolade for a city to get. I think it’s really important that with any accolade you really use it to enhance what is already there and to speak to people about what can be improved. How can we use this award to bring more people in who don’t consider cycling? Let’s look at where we’re doing well but also where we’re not supporting people. Are the cycle lanes accessible to all? Not all of them. Are roads and cycle lanes lit well enough? Is there enough space? Can you park your adapted trike? I hope that changes are made.

What are the biggest challenges facing women in cycling at the moment?

What do you do if your bike is broken? As soon as it gets dark, women and non-binary people are more likely to receive violence. If you then have a problem with your bike and don’t know how to fix it, you are potentially in more danger. You should be able to go for a ride and not think: “If I have to walk home what will happen to me?”

How can we create a more inclusive environment for cyclists?

I would love to see more difference celebrated in cycling: a different gender presence, all ages. We can have a whole spectrum of people. Why are most cyclists in the UK white? Deliveroo riders aren’t considered cyclists or part of the cycling community, but the majority are men we see constantly cycling. We need more appreciation for how hard people work. How else can we bring cycling into leisure and commuting? Sport isn’t just for a white elite.

What excited you about Lights Up? 

What’s really beautiful about Lights Up is how it marries protest and celebration. I think it’s really critical that we talk about women’s safety, but also that we talk about celebration. It’s the ideal event. I’m proud to be attending but also very proud to be ride-leading in it. It’s really exciting. I am pumped this year that so much has changed, particularly this amazing partnership with Starling. That for sure will reduce barriers that people have to ride a bike.

How do you feel that Lights Up will shift people’s perceptions around women’s safety?

Last year 65 of us cycled through the park and suddenly there was this fairy light effect, a trail of lights all  along to the front of the ride. It was so beautiful and so peaceful – and not a thing I can experience by myself. The lights were the essence of people cycling. Some people will feel the event is important because of how big it is, and others will be excited by seeing a piece of poetry or a photograph at the exhibition. Within a macro moment you have these micro moments that are personal catalysts.

What message does Lights Up give to women and girls, or anyone interested in cycling?

I feel like the thing we are all seeking is community, and Lights Up gives us that. The country doesn’t come together en masse – it’s very separated – so to have moments or pockets in a community that isn’t expecting you to be anything is really beautiful. Just come as you are and know that you will be wholeheartedly celebrated. Just you is perfect: you don’t even need a bike.

What advice would you give to people interested in cycling, but a bit nervous?

There are lots of cycling groups in Manchester. You can find a local group or even set one up, and you will find people who want to cycle. Do confidence or maintenance sessions and find a buddy. There are great apps like Komoot that will plan a route for you and that takes the stress out of it.

What three words would you use to describe what cycling means to you?

Opportunity. Freedom. Special.