SCHEMES to get more people cycling for leisure and work have been a huge success following a series of campaigns delivered by the Let’s Go Tees Valley Active Travel team.

One such scheme, Wheel Women, consists of a series of women-only, entry-level bike rides around the Tees Valley, to give women the chance to cycle at a gentle pace with others who are getting back in the saddle.

Let’s Go Tees Valley, funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority have further expanded the scheme to provide mixed gender and family fun bike rides across the region.

A new Walking and Cycling Route Network downloadable map also allows anyone to plan their own rides out across the Tees Valley.

The Wheel Women and family rides are led by a qualified instructor, who reassures nervous riders and ensures the pace is appropriate for the group.

Supporting the campaign are two local Instagram influencers who have taken part in some of the events and have shared their experiences online to encourage others to participate.

The group’s success has quickly led to the establishment of a Facebook group to build an online community of women who are just starting their cycling journey.

People arrange to meet up, seek advice and support each other.

The online forum provides information about downloadable maps, route planning, bike MOTs, maintenance advice, freecycle training and inspirational stories of women who cycle.

More than 250 women have joined the Facebook group to date with over 20,000 people engaging over social media.

Nikki Jones one of the participants said: "I’ve only been on a few rides, but thoroughly loved them, I gained lots of confidence, our instructor was fantastic at giving tips about how to use gears and take corners correctly without making me feel like a complete idiot, I didn’t even know the routes we did existed even though I have lived in the area all my life."

Jen Robinson, participant and influencer added: "Lacking confidence when getting back out on the bike was holding me back. Taking part in the Wheel Women campaign gave me that back and more."

To find out more information on the schemes, and Cycling Route Network Map visit: letsgoteesvalley.co.uk/ways-to-travel/cycle/