More women cycling in Guernsey after confidence booster classes

Thursday, 3 September 2026 11:30

By Euan Mahy

Guernsey's Health Improvement Commission rolls out British Cycling's 'Breeze' programme.

The e-bike has revolutionised cycling in Guernsey and they are everywhere on the roads, zipping up steep gradients or parked in Town after the daily commute.

Alex Costen, who specialises in activity at the Health Improvement Commission says they make exercise easier:

"They flatten the hills, which in Guernsey makes a massive difference for commuters.

"And for families, being able to cycle with your child on the back of your e-bike allows them to enjoy Nature and the fresh air."

But many people who buy an e-bike may not have ridden a cycle for years, which is where the Health Improvement Commission comes in.

It has adopted British Cycling's Breeze programme, which helps women get more cycle confident through instruction and easy-paced group rides.

The reason Breeze is aimed at women is that British Cycling say three times more men than women cycle.

Alex says the programmes that run from Les Beaucamps School have been a success with 51 individuals taking part in 2025:

"We launched Breeze for women who need more confidence to ride in a group on the road, or to connect socially with other women who want to cycle.

"Having done some of the rides it's a really fun social group ride with women of all ages and backgrounds."

Elsewhere, the Commission's annual report shows that active travel - walking and cycling - is up 10% among Bailiwick primary school children

Social prescribing, where people with an illness are guided to consider gentle exercise as an alternative to drugs, is an expanding initiative, with around 1,000 referrals last year.