Women are less willing to get on two wheels compared to men says a study by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

According to the survey, many women are still afraid of facing the dangers, perceived or otherwise, posed by cycling. Some 79 percent of the respondents said that cycling was not for them, with less than 1 in 10 women cycling more than once a month.

Additionally, the research found that women were more concerned about safety which topped the list on women’s negative feelings. However, industry experts say that taking out bike insurance cover could help eliminate some of those worries.

A significant number of women also cited a lack of fitness and motivation as their reasons for not wanting to get on the bike. Recent figures from Cycling England show that men are three times more likely to go on a bike than women.

The Sustrans research also found that 17 per cent of women considered themselves too old to cycle and those aged between 35 and 44 are the most likely to saddle up. The over 35s also cycle 50 percent more than women in the 15-24 age group, even though 69 percent of this age group never cycle.

The general findings by Sustrans backs up a study by Cycling England which shows that more than half the women polled said they were worried about safety. Women between the ages of 18- 34 said they were worried about ‘arriving at work sweaty’.