For Immediate Release
June 25th, 2015
Halifax, NS_ Bicycle Nova Scotia is excited launch a program that will focus on building the bicycle skills of senior women in Nova Scotia. Over the summer and early fall of 2015, BNS will be working in 5-8 communities across Nova Scotia to encourage senior women to bicycle with the goal of establishing weekly rides.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for women who already bicycle to build confidence in their cycling skills,” says Project Coordinator, Lynne Pascoe. “We are also focused on encouraging women who have not bicycled in the past to join in, have fun and become comfortable with cycling as a form of exercise and building community.”
Bicycle Nova Scotia’s goal is to increase riders across the province and to grow the numbers of people using bicycles for both transportation and recreation.
“We know that if women are riding, then it is a huge incentive to the rest of the population, “says lola doucet, co-president of Bicycle Nova Scotia. “We are hoping that by facilitating regular organized rides, that are lead by women, more people will join over time.”
According to the Doctor’s Nova Scotia website, “Physical activity is known to help reduce more than 25 chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, breast cancer, colon cancer, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. It also helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight, relieves stress, and improves self-esteem and energy levels.” Currently only 15% of Nova Scotia’s adults are meeting the Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity.
“We feel that this project is an important aspect of building a cycling culture in Nova Scotia,” says Pascoe. “If grandmothers can bicycle, they can be role models for others.”
The first project has been initiated with weekly rides from the Musquodoboit Public Library. This project is supported by a grant from the Department of Seniors Positive Aging Fund.
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For more information, please contact:
Lynne Pascoe 902- (902) 476-2272 [email protected]
lola doucet [email protected]