Women’s Heritage Bike Ride for Beginners

Our ground breaking Women’s Heritage Bike Ride with a twist!

Starting and ending at GWL, this 5 mile loop is for cyclists of all ages (16+) and abilities, and a great way to discover how women have used cycling to change the world, and how cycling has changed women’s lives. Our tour guides will lead you gently along the route, all on cycle paths, stopping at well-known landmarks such as the Velodrome and Glasgow Green as well as lesser known ones like the Howe Machine Co. factory where bicycles were manufactured, offering ‘freedom of wheels’ for women.

This ride combines a gentle ride along a safe cycle path with the discovery of some little known facts about women and cycling: the role of the bicycle in women’s activism, how trousers became part of our wardrobes, and why women should avoid cycling at all costs (according to some of the more reactionary the Victorians!).

You can download a copy of the full Clydeside Women’s Heritage Bike Ride map here or pick one up next time you visit GWL.

Limited bike hire is available at Bridgeton Cross, opposite Bridgeton Rail Station and a 2 minute walk from GWL. You can find out more about how to hire a bike on the Nextbike website.

Booking

Tickets must be booked in advance. This event costs £10 full price. Select the number of tickets you would like to book below, or come in to the Library to book.

We offer subsidised places at £6 for students, people on a low income, unemployed or those in receipt of benefit and Friends of GWL. Children 15 and under can attend the cycles for free but must be accompanied by an adult. If you are eligible for a subsidised place select the subsidised ticket below, or come in to the Library to book.

All places must be paid for in advance as tour guides are not able to handle money on the day of the walk. Start point for the walk will be given in a confirmation email approximately 1 week prior to the walk and we will confirm once payment is received. Please check your spam or junk email folders if you have not received this in your inbox. Also, please note that the library is closed on a Saturday and Sunday so last minute bookings cannot be taken and messages will not be picked up until the Monday morning.

We ask that you do not bring dogs (or other pets) other than guide dogs along. Contact us if you are unsure about any thing, we are happy to answer any questions.

Should you need to cancel a booking for any reason please see our Women’s Heritage Walks Cancellation Policy.

Check out our full programme of Women Make History events here, including more walks, a heritage bike ride, reading events and more.