Women avoid regular cycling because of the effect it has on their appearance, according to new research published by Cycling England.

More than one in four (27%) women avoid cycling to work because they are concerned about ‘helmet-hair’, while 57% said they would not want to arrive at work sweaty. However, 26% of all respondents would consider cycling if there were shower facilities at work.

Safety concerns are also a factor, cited by 53% of women, and 42% say they lack the confidence and skills to cycle on the road, the study found.

Philip Darnton, chairman of Cycling England, said: ‘Women, and, in particular, mums, have a key role to play in encouraging greater take up of cycling in general – so it’s vital we get more women on their bikes.

‘This research highlights some of the perceived barriers that prevent more women cycling, such as showers in the workplace. Our 17 cycling towns and cycling city, Bristol, will be working hard to make cycling more appealing to everyone.’

In mainland Europe, male and female cycling rates are broadly equal, according to Cycling England.