Heels on Wheels - Urban Bike Course

This Autumn, Pitango Bikes is launching a female-only urban bike course that is designed to make cycling more accessible and less intimidating to those 67% of women nervous about riding on London’s busy roads. Focusing on bike maintenance, road safely, cycling culture and confidence building - from repairing a flat tire to pedalling in a short skirt - the first workshop will take place on Saturday 7th September in Archway, Islington.

In a world of uniformity and disposable fast fashion, Pitango Bikes are pioneering a return to beautifully crafted, high quality, stylishly designed bespoke bikes for men and women. Launched by three young London-based entrepreneurs and ‘fixie’ fans, Pitango’s collection of vibrant and elegant bikes offers an alternative to clunky cycles in murky colours.

Founder of Pitango Bikes, Ilan Hari, is passionate about cycling and getting as many Londoners out and about on their bikes as possible. And he’s not the only one. In March 2013, British Cycling announced plans to get one million more women on bikes by 2020. The initiative has been backed by Olympic and World Track Championship star Becky James, who believes that many women are put off cycling because they do not feel safe on the roads.

With current statistics showing that females only make up one quarter of regular cyclists in England*, Pitango conducted their own survey to discover London women’s attitude towards cycling in the capital. The results showed that 67% of the female respondents didn’t own a bike because they are too scared and 72% of them wouldn’t know how to fix their bike if parts of it were broken**.

In response to this, Pitango Bike’s 90 minute workshop run by a female coach will offer practical answers and honest advice with the aim to build the skills necessary to overcome any daunting aspects of urban cycling, such as negotiating vehicles, aggressive motorists and bike lanes in the midst of city traffic. Attendants of all ability levels will also be given skills to keep their bike running in good condition, saving them unnecessary money on services and minor repairs in the future.

Light hearted and fun, the workshops will also include the obligatory trip to a hipster cycling café and a tutorial on how to avoid sacrificing fashion and style when riding a bike.

Topics covered will include:
• Safe riding mind set
• Safely navigating traffic- dealing with complex traffic situations
• Road communication, positioning and manoeuvres
• What equipment to get
• Basic safety checks before riding
• Basic repairs- punctures, adjustments to gears and brakes
• Cycling in heels
• Finding a good cup of coffee

Cyclists will leave the workshop feeling more confident and knowledgeable about cycling, and as a result will be safer riders. Pitango Bikes are excited about getting more women enjoying the benefits of cycling whether it is for leisure, fitness or to commute.