Recruiting more women into a job on two wheels will be a theme promoted by a rider with Cheshire Constabulary on International Women’s Day.
PC Jen Whelan is the only woman in the force motorcycle unit and among a handful nationally to pass a course, which allows her to escort VIPs such as royalty and international dignitaries on two wheels.
The theme for International Women’s Day (Sunday, 8th March) is “Give to Gain”, with this year’s worldwide campaign encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
With that theme in mind, PC Whelan will be organising Cheshire Police motorcycle unit’s event for women bikers of all abilities on the global day of awareness.
With support from colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, National Highways, BikeSafe and BMW, anyone with an interest in anything on two wheels is invited to the Chester BMW Motorrad Service on Knutsford Way, Chester, between 11am and 3pm on Sunday, 8th March, to meet like-minded riders and experienced bike technicians.
Attendees can also book a ride-out session, overseen by professional riders from both the constabulary’s motorcycle team and BikeSafe. Discounted vouchers for the police-led BikeSafe initiatives will be available.
Tips and advice on overall bike maintenance, as well as safer riding techniques, will be available.
PC Whelan said: “This exciting event that celebrates women in the bike riding community, in policing and beyond, is being led by Cheshire Constabulary’s motorcycle team, with the support of our community partners at Cheshire Fire and Rescue, National Highways and BMW Motorrad.
“Whether you’re a woman who’s new to biking, an experienced rider, or just want to know a bit more about what we as a force do on the road, you will be more than welcome at the day and in the company of other like-minded motorcyclists.”
After joining the force in 2020, PC Whelan initially worked within the response team. It was during this time that her tutor put her in touch with the roads and crime team’s motorcycle unit, which eventually led to her completing both her off-road and standard motorcycle response courses and going on to assist the team on her days off from response work.
Four years later, PC Whelan moved to the unit full-time and, within a year of joining the team at the motorcycle unit, passed her advanced motorcycle course.
PC Whelan also became the first woman with the constabulary, and only the fifth woman nationally, to pass the National VIPEX course, which now allows her to escort VIPs such as royalty and international dignitaries.
She said: “I have had first-hand experience of a lack of female representation across two wheels, which is something I am keen to change.” To find out more about next month’s event, visit the Halliwell Jones Motorrad website.
