WOMEN will be able to explore the surroundings of Gunnersbury Park and Southall Park in a series of free guided bike rides beginning in July.

The rides take place every Saturday for five weeks at Gunnersbury Park from July 4 to August 1 and on Sundays at Southall Park from August 2-30.

Southall Women’s Cycling Club (SWCC) sessions, run by Cycle Training UK, were set up by Ealing Council using Transport for London funding.

The creation of SWCC was in response to high demand from women in Southall wanting female-only riding sessions.

In the spring of 2012, guided rides were trialled in Southall and proved to be a success, which led to the creation of more women-only rides.

Sessions are led by a female instructor and run from 10am-1pm at both parks. All levels of riders are welcome, but they are ideal for those who can already ride but want to build their confidence.

Meeting point for the Gunnersbury Park rides is the Pope’s Lane entrance, near the old tennis courts.

For the Southall Park rides, it is by the Boyd Avenue entrance. There is no need to book a place, just turn up on the day. Bikes are available for women who would like to borrow one.

Further dates for women-only rides are planned for September and October.

For more information, call Jean at Cycle Training UK on 020 7232 4387 or email jean@cycletraining.co.uk