Women riders invited to free bike safety event for International Women’s Day
Women riders of all abilities are being invited to a free, multi-agency bike event led by Cheshire Constabulary’s Motorcycle Unit to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
Last updated 10th Feb 2026
The event, which takes place on Sunday 8 March at Chester Motorrad Service on Knutsford Way, Chester, will run from 11am to 3pm and is open to anyone with an interest in two wheels – from complete beginners to experienced riders.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain”, promotes generosity, collaboration and sharing of skills, experience and time to support women’s advancement and stronger communities.
That spirit sits at the heart of the event, which aims to build confidence, improve safety and bring women riders together.
The day is being co-hosted with partners from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, National Highways, BikeSafe and BMW.
As well as the chance to meet like-minded riders and experienced bike technicians, attendees will be able to book supervised ride-out sessions, overseen by professional riders from both the Constabulary Motorcycle Team and BikeSafe.
Discounted vouchers for the police-led BikeSafe initiative will also be available.
Officers from the Motorcycle Unit and BikeSafe will be on hand throughout the event to offer advice on bike maintenance and safer riding techniques, answer questions and talk about the work they do on the roads.
Event organiser Police Constable Jen Whelan, from the Motorcycle Unit, 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.”
PC Whelan is currently the Constabulary’s only female officer in the Motorcycle Unit, based at Winsford Headquarters.
The team plays a vital role in day-to-day policing – from supporting roads policing operations such as Operation Lawmaker, which targets the anti-social and dangerous riding of off-road and illegal bikes, to responding quickly to emergencies, managing traffic incidents and escorting motorcades.
She joined the force in 2020, starting her career on the Response team.
After being introduced to the Roads and Crime Team’s Motorcycle Unit by her tutor, she completed both off-road and standard motorcycle response courses, volunteering her own time to assist the unit on her days off.
In October 2024, she joined the Motorcycle Unit full-time and within a year passed her advanced motorcycle course.
She has also become the first woman in Cheshire Constabulary – and only the fifth woman nationally – to pass the prestigious National VIPEX course, qualifying her to escort high-profile individuals including members of the Royal Family and international dignitaries.
It was the “Give to Gain” theme that inspired PC Whelan to create an event specifically for women motorcyclists.
She added:
“I have had firsthand experience of a lack of female representation across two wheels, which is something I am keen to change.
“In line with this, I have planned an event for International Women’s Day 2026. The theme this year is ‘Give to Gain’, which encourages a mindset of generosity and ambition. This upcoming event next month allows interaction with highly trained Cheshire Police Motorcyclists in a relaxed environment.”