Beauty and the Bike-What Happened Next?

The excitement of the film premiere is over. Back we go to "normal" life in Darlington. We've managed to keep the beautiful dutch bikes - in fact we're going to buy 40 more this year and expand the bike hire scheme. But how many girls will keep on cycling? We know that cycling is still "uncool" for many UK teenagers - perhaps because it feels so unsafe on our meagre infrastructure? Here, one of the girls from Beauty and the Bike, Lauren Pyrah, comes behind the camera to ask what is happening to the Darlington girls now. Kate, one of the original group, is joined by Francesca to shout the praises of everyday cycling. But Ashley has stopped. Why? And will politicians listen?

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• cycling
• feminism
• dx2 darlington experiment
• environment

[uzapuca]

Great job! keep up the cycling. 2:35 Julieta Zylberberg's twin sister, haha.

[lustreboy]

it's great to see people using bikes, they're awesome!!!

but it's odd to hear the way they're talking in some bits, it's like they're talking about being gay or something, e.g. when they're glad they've got the support of other around them.

Is riding a bike that much of a social stigma? holy shish! that's insane!

I guess I've forgotten how cruel & ignorant some kids can be & was always happy to not fit into the crowd & think if anyone would take the piss out of me their option was worthless

[trx1961]

hello, im 47,ride a bike, never owned a car.

cars R only good for hauling FATASSES around!

if u can ride...DO IT!

[beenbrun]

these girls are great, you just have to be brave and get used to traffic that's a fact of cycling. Love the sit up and beg bikes, so much fun and beautiful

[JimexJimex]

I'm all for cycle to work and school, but PLEASE learn how to hold your straight line first.

This program should focus on empowering these girls by improving their SKILLS instead of boosting their IMAGES of cycling to work.

[swizz69]

@mylogon341 "Wear a helmet at least?" And just how effective is a helmet against an ignorant motorist?

Not very. Motoring is a privilege which is why you & I have to pay for it. It costs absolutely nothing to drive safely and respect more vulnerable road users.

Weigh up the facts & you will discover that it is 'driving' that is dangerous, and maybe 'drivers' should behave a little less selfishly behind an airbag.

[barefootfiona]

I find the cycling really helped me in my driving lessons too because I know the rules of the road much better. I'm going to Uni next year and luckily it's a cycle-town, so I'm not giving up my bike any time soon! I just hate that nobody wants to cycle, no drivers want cyclists on the road, and local councils just don't care!

[barefootfiona]

I'm in Year 13 and I've been cycling to school ever since we sold our car, but before that I cycled to my musc lessons and elsewhere too. it takes me 25 to get into school, and 45 to get home (uphill all the way). I love cycling, but I only know one other girl in the whole 6th form who regularly cycles. In fact, one of my friends has only just asked me to teach her how to cycle, since her parents never taught her!

[ClivePIA]

@mylogon341 Earlier comment removed because of accidental repetition, by the way.

[ClivePIA]

@mylogon341 Many more die from ill-health, inactivity & obesity than from head injuries on bikes.

For the tiny few who are misfortunate enough to sustain fatal head injuries, it's far from certain how much of a difference is made by a helmet.

The most important thing we can do for young people's health is to encourage them to be active, with or without a helmet.

I wear a helmet 95% of the time, but I'd never dream of lecturing others to make the same choice as me. It's none of my business.