Pilot study of a multi-component community-based cycling intervention (Cycle Nation) with South Asian women

Background: Cycling offers health and environmental benefits, yet levels are low in the UK, particularly among South Asian women who encounter disproportionate barriers to cycling. Effective cycling interventions for South Asian women are therefore essential, but are scarcely available and under-researched. Cycle Nation (CN) is a 9-week group-based intervention incorporating cycling skills, behaviour change techniques and bike loans. CN was originally developed as a workplace-based intervention, and was adapted for South Asian women over four workshops with the target population in Manchester, UK.

Purpose: To pilot the CN intervention tailored for delivery to South Asian women in a community setting.

Methods: Participants completed pre- and post-intervention self-report questionnaires including number of trips and minutes per week cycling, cycling confidence and motivation, self-esteem and vitality. Attendance and program completion were recorded, and interviews conducted with CN participants and facilitators, and representatives from the local council and British Cycling who were involved in implementation. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results: Nineteen women were recruited, and only two withdrew from the intervention. Participants reported a significant increase in cycling by 3.1(2.6 SD) rides and 89.3(64.3 SD) minutes per week, mainly accounted for by leisure cycling. CN enhanced cycling confidence, introjected and intrinsic motivation for cycling, and self-esteem. Group-based delivery was valued and helped participants to counter local socio-cultural norms against women cycling: “it’s been amazing in terms of inspiring women and getting women really interested in [cycling] within the community”.

Conclusions: CN was successful in engaging South Asian women to increase cycling. It was highly acceptable to participants and promoted wider interest in cycling among local women.

Practical implications: The CN intervention shows great potential to increase cycling in a hard-to-reach group (South Asian women). Future research should explore longer term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Funding: British Cycling/HSBC UK