After the inaugural Project Evolve event at Revs last year, the second outing was the Project Evolve Skatepark Jam at RampWorld Cardiff.
Our roving reporter Ruby Davison headed to RampWorld for the second Project Evolve event and caught up with Becci Skelton for a chat about all things Project Evolve.
Photos by Chris Davison.
Womens’ cycling, an ever growing industry which has boomed in the recent years. As a young female rider growing up riding I spent my weekends out riding with my dads mates or the local lads. However in the past couple years there has been a massive increase in women riding whether that be just having fun at their local or trying their hand at racing.
Events such as Project Evolve have such a massive impact on the amount of women riding, creating a safe space for women and girls to try their hand at something new without the fear of being judged or holding up people behind them.
With increased support from companies and pro riders it’s only clear that womens’ riding will continue to grow and thrive into a large community ready to welcome new riders trying their hand at riding for the first time.
Ruby spoke to Becci Skelton about the project and what’s to come for the future of womens’ riding and project evolve.
Who first came up with the idea for Project Evolve?
I think Sian, Vero and I all had some ideas individually that we wanted to do something to help push female riding in the UK, and when we got together just as mates, we started chatting about these ideas, decided to join forces and kinda went from there.
What made you want to start Project Evolve?
We just wanted to push the development of female riding in the UK, we’ve kinda focused the last two events on the more freeride side of things but it’s all elements that’s we’re aiming at. There’s so much more opportunity and support for females in New Zealand and Canada, and we want to try and provide that level of support and inclusion into the British scene.
What do you hope to see within womens’ cycling in the future?
I’d just like to see women being at bike parks/trails/skateparks to be the norm, and for them to feel confident and comfortable in doing so. It is getting better for sure, but we still have a long way to go.
What more do you think could be done for womens’ cycling?
It’s great to see so many big brands support us as well as other female-only days across the UK, but I think this needs to happen even more. They really need to get behind the driving forces of women in sport and push for it.
What would be your best piece of advice to women/girls who are new to riding and not sure where to start or don’t feel confident enough to go to trail centres or skateparks?
Come to one of our events obviously… Honestly, I think just getting out on your bike is the best thing anyone can do. Join some female groups, the more you ride, the more like minded-people you’ll meet and the more confident you’ll feel on your bike and in bike settings.
I know it can be intimidating up bike parks/skateparks etc, and you worry what people will think (we’ve all been there), but guaranteed everyone has their own agenda and they won’t be focusing on what you’re up to, so just get stuck in and enjoy yourself.
The events have been very successful so far, why do you think so many women and girls want to get involved?
I think it gives girls a strong community bond, it gives them chance to meet like minded folk, and they can share their own experiences with each other.
Do you have any future plans to progress with Project Evolve, if so what can we expect to see from you in the coming years?
We’ve got a few plans coming together for this year, and then who knows… Project Evolve world tour?
How have you found the response to the project been so far?
Nothing but positive. Everyone has been so supportive, it’s been incredible.
