London’s Cycling For All Champions
We meet six inspirational cycling women who can now say that there’s one of London’s iconic hire bikes out there with their name on it...
We meet six inspirational cycling women who can now say that there’s one of London’s iconic hire bikes out there with their name on it...
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Of the more than 150 nominations received, eight women currently cycling in London were chosen to have a Santander bike named after them. They are:
To celebrate this, we caught up with six of the eight, to find out more about their work and how it feels to have a bike, literally, with their name on it…
Credit: Tom Bogdanowicz
Borough: Camden
Role: Longtime LCC group coordinator
How has London changed, particularly from the perspective of transport and cycling?
I didn’t get my bike until I was 11, which was in 1945, and, of course, there was very little traffic. I did cycle to school using main roads, but nobody minded. But then I went to university in London, and I forgot about the bicycle until I moved in with my partner, who thought cycling was important, and he even produced a bike for me.
We were both working at St Mary’s College (both were computing pioneers – Ed) and we cycled to work, but the roads were very, very hostile in those days. And I was a bit of a coward, so we usually went along the canal towpath.
I initially joined LCC as a supporter. And it wasn’t until I retired in about 2000 that I got interested in campaigning. Our local coordinator was desperate for help, so I got in touch and did the newsletter and all sorts of things, and it all became very interesting.
Then I said I think I could answer a consultation and they looked at me and said: “Are you sure?” I think they had the idea that the women would run the stalls and that men would do engineering stuff.
But I found doing consultations interesting. After that I became joint coordinator of the group and a lot went on in those years: Royal College Street, Tavistock Place, and later Midland Road, Judd Street.
What keeps you campaigning?
It’s because things keep happening. It’s interesting too, particularly since we’ve had good council officers running the planning. Camden wrote a full transport strategy and every year they’ve done updates on it. And if someone tells them they can’t put a cycle lane up Haverstock Hill, they say ‘it’s in our plan’.
It is such a brilliant idea. It doesn’t mean things always get through the consultations easily.
But it’s always good to see this (cycle) network growing. And where it’s going to go next? I also write a newsletter (on new cycle infrastructure) four times a year and we are tough on the council team at times, but then they do good things and we praise them — it helps them to get on with what they are doing.
Credit: TfL
Borough: Lambeth & Southwark
Role: Consultant Psychiatrist, START homeless mental health outreach team
According to the latest figures, in London alone there are 1,277 people sleeping rough. Reaching many of those individuals can be a challenge, but for Jenny and the team at START, it’s one they’re more than willing to rise to.
Every day, Jenny and others in her team, cycle around south London, speaking to homeless people who’ve been referred to them as possibly suffering from a mental illness.
What are some of the challenges that come with the job, that people might not be aware of?
A lot of the challenges are linked to the systems we have in place. The number of homeless people across England is the highest it’s ever been. This makes the problem of housing more difficult.
There is also increasing demand for mental health services. But on the flip side, what makes this job a real privilege is being able to build these relationships with people, hear their stories, and try to help in any way we can.
How helpful has cycling been in reaching the people you need to see?
I cycle everywhere. It’s the same for many of my team, because it’s the best way to get around to see people. In a typical day I might cycle 30km.
We often cycle around parks, which you can cover very quickly on a bike. You’re also above ground, so you might see people that you’re not expecting to when you’re cycling from one to the other. Plus, it’s much quicker and nicer than the tube or the bus.
What was your reaction to having a Santander bike named after you?
I was honoured and delighted. One of the nurses in my team, Rosa, who also cycles everywhere, nominated me.
It was humbling to meet all the other women who’d been recognised for their work too, because so many do so much to bring cycling to more people, which is something I feel passionate about.
Borough: Brent
Role: Northwest Pedal Express founder
When Anna’s son’s school suddenly closed, the journey to the school gates jumped from a one-mile cycle/walk through a conservation area to a five-mile route on busy London roads.
But while some parents might have bitten the bullet and loaded up the car, Anna took a different approach.
Having been inspired by bike buses around London, as a way for a whole group of children to cycle to school safely, she decided to start her own one: Northwest Pedal Express. Local families jumped on board and now nearly 50 children join each ride.
What kind of impact have you seen since starting your local bike bus?
We have received very positive feedback from families who never considered cycling to school as a possibility.
One single parent said: “I never thought I’d be confident enough to cycle from Willesden to Camden with my daughter, but now I’m converted! You’ve made it possible for us to get out regularly and grow in confidence. It’s such a wonderful and joyful way to start the day.”
It’s great to be told that, but it’s also wonderful to see the positivity from pedestrians and people walking to work and getting high-fives from bus drivers.
What’s been the most rewarding part of seeing it grow?
Getting to know other families in our community and across different schools has been wonderful for us and our son — we’ve all made new friends.
It’s also been great seeing how other parents have followed our journey and started their own bike buses, locally and further afield, creating a ripple effect that extends our impact far beyond our immediate community.
Any advice to parents reading this who might be inspired to set up their own bike bus?
Start small — really all it takes is just one other family to build a bus! Same time, same day each week. The biggest challenge is keeping momentum through darker, wetter months, so make it fun and try to keep the atmosphere electric.
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Credit: TfL
Borough: Croydon
Role: Director of Together We Ride
For Naomi, ironically, it was only going on her first ride with Together We Ride (TWR) that she realised she wasn’t a cyclist (or at least not yet).
After a London to Brighton challenge with her dad in 2019, her bike was left untouched for a year, until in 2020 she responded to a Facebook post from TWR founder, Wayne Francis, seeing if people fancied a ride.
His message of looking for people to be part of a new inclusive cycling group resonated with her — so much so that she’s now the group’s director, overseeing the day-to-day running of TWR.
How do you balance being a cycling group and a social group?
When the group first started out, during the Covid pandemic, people were craving that social connection.
As a result, that side of things developed naturally.
Speaking personally, the main reason I cycle is the social aspect. It’s the chats you have out on a ride that truly helps build that community element.
What aspect of the work you do with TWR are you most proud of?
To see people develop and see how that in turn inspires someone else in the group — that’s really special to see. It also makes all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes, the hidden work that everyone who helps run a group like ours does, worthwhile.
What is one aspect of TWR that you’d like readers to know about?
That we are, above all else, a community cycling family. We’ve started to put on more events off the bike, to help foster a bit more of that connection.
So, for every ride to Southend or lap around Regent’s Park, there’ll be a meal at a Vietnamese restaurant, or online chat. It all adds up to what Together We Ride is all about.
Credit: TfL
Borough: Redbridge
Role: Sikh Cycling Club leader
Having first been introduced to the Sikh Cycling Club through her husband, it took a little while for Harjit to find herself at home in a group where the confidence and ability of the other riders was somewhat above her own.
However, fast forward to today and Harjit is now one of the club’s most active leaders. This is thanks to the way that group rides with the club helped her improve her skills and showed her just what a positive role cycling could play in her community.
What does your role at the Sikh Cycling Club involve?
Mostly supporting the organisation and development of the club, as well as contributing to its continued growth.
This includes planning routes, ensuring that all members feel safe and included, mentoring newer cyclists and assisting with events and community outreach initiatives.
I have also had the honour of serving as chairperson for two consecutive years.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your role?
I think it is witnessing the positive impact the club has on its members; seeing individuals grow in confidence, improve their fitness, or develop that sense of belonging.
Being part of an initiative that fosters connection and contributes positively to people’s wellbeing is immensely rewarding.
What would you say to anyone thinking of getting involved with a similar cycling group?
I would strongly encourage it. You do not need to be an experienced cyclist, as these groups prioritise inclusivity and mutual support as much as participation in the sport itself.
It is an excellent opportunity to stay active, meet new people and become part of a supportive community.
Credit: Becky Mursell
Borough: Hounslow
Role: Chair & ride leader of Cycle Sisters
Founded back in 2016, Cycle Sisters is a charity that creates accessible and empowering spaces for Muslim and ethnically diverse women to cycle and become more healthy, confident and connected.
The woman who received the most nominations for the Santander bike is the chair of its board of trustees, Samra Said. Her journey into the world of
Her involvement with Cycle Sisters began back in 2020 with a WhatsApp from the founder, Sarah Javid, inviting her to apply for a role as a trustee. Despite the Covid pandemic lockdown coming just days after getting the gig, that didn’t stop Samra becoming involved and assisting in the great work the group does.
What makes Cycle Sisters so special to you?
The fact that, at its heart, it’s all designed with Muslim women, and the needs of Muslim women, in mind. I don’t take that lightly and neither does the team I work with.
It takes a lot of hard work to keep it a supportive and welcoming place, but the fact that so many women say, “most of my friends have come from Cycle Sisters,” shows the impact.
Where have you seen the greatest impact from Cycle Sisters’ work?
With the sisters who’ve come to us through their GP, to see their transformation is remarkable. When they arrive, they can be quite daunted by the space, but through coming each week they’re able to find joy and build those connections with other women.
What was your reaction to finding out about your Santander bike nomination?
It was so surreal because it came during Ramadan, so I was fasting and trying to process the news! But it did feel difficult for me to accept at first, because there are so many amazing women who work behind the scenes with me. So I was mindful to dedicate that to them, because to be trusted in this way was a real honour.
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