1 HEALTHY REVOLUTIONS: PROMOTING CYCLING FOR WOMEN

Cycling rates in Australia are low, and substantial gender differences occur for all three forms of cycling: transport, recreation and sport. This paper reports on a research study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, aimed at investigating reasons for gender differences in cycling, and identifying successful interventions for promoting cycling for women. Case studies of women’s cycling programs were developed, based on participant surveys, program observation, individual interviews with program coordinators and focus group discussions with program participants. This paper reports findings from the individual interviews and focus group discussions. Health and fitness; social support and encouragement; and opportunities and resources for participation in cycling were the principal motivations for commencing cycling. However, cycling undertaken principally as a means to a health end appeared to have little appeal to the women in this study. Factors associated with on-going participation in cycling included social interaction; setting and achieving cycling goals; participating in cycling events; acquiring new skills; and the fun and enjoyment associated with cyclin