British Cycling 'on target'
British Cycling claims latest figures show it is on track to meet its target of attracting a million more women to the sport by 2020 but insists that at elite level there needs to be more equality with men's events.
The governing body said 106,000 women have taken part in its programmes so far this year, though it is not clear how many of those are new to the sport.
The figure of a million more women taking part in cycling by 2020 was announced six months ago, and Natalie Justice, British Cycling's women's network project manager, said the revival of a women's Tour de France would be a huge help to the campaign.
She said: "I think it's massively important. Riders such as Emma Pooley do a fantastic job in campaigning for women's events to be held alongside the men's.
"Having the Women's Tour in Britain next year will be a massive thing for us and equality at elite level can only help.
"Getting another million more women into cycling is a very ambitious target - but that's how we like it and we are encouraged by the start we have had."
British Cycling's programme includes female-only rides, which have attracted 23,000 women, with a further 10,000 taking part in its Go-Ride development programme for young people.
The body is measuring progress using its own research, Sky's annual cycling survey, and will also take into account Sport England's Active People survey that measures recreational cycling in England. Results will be assessed on a twice-yearly basis.
There is also a drive to attract women and girls to more traditionally male disciplines such as BMX riding - a campaign boosted by Britain boasting the three-times BMX world champion Shanaze Reade.
Reade said: "For too long cycling has been seen as a sport for men. It's fantastic to hear that over 100,000 women have dusted off their bikes and got involved in British Cycling programmes across all disciplines so far this year.
"The more women that cycle, the more their friends, sisters and mums will be inspired to give it a try - we're starting to close that gender gap and I look forward to seeing even more women enjoy all that cycling has to offer."
