.TWR now has 259 members, and continues to grow. “Over the past four years, we have seen a surge in new cyclists riding with us, many of whom are people of colour,” says Francis.The number of clubs striving to improve diversity in cycling has increased significantly over recent years, and others such as Black Cyclists Network and Brothers Who Bike also provide platforms for elevating the presence and voices of black, Asian and other less represented groups across club cycling.AdvertisementGroups like Cycle Sisters, Evolve and Hop-On create pathways are providing spaces to cater for different gendered religious or cultural requirements. “I know Muslim women, including many who wear the hijab, who were brand new to cycling five years ago, now doing big sportives and investing in the latest cycling kit, be it road or gravel,” says Diversity in Cycling report author, Andy Edwards.Cycle Sisters has expanded from a single group to operate in nine boroughs across London, with over 1,500 women in their network and over 100 trained volunteer Ride Leaders. ”We are demonstrating that women from all backgrounds can cycle confidently, normalising cycling for Muslim women and other underrepresented groups,” outlines Deryn Ellis from the club.Cycle Sisters riding in a park togetherver.TWR now has 259 members, and continues to grow. “Over the past four years, we have seen a surge in new cyclists riding with us, many of whom are people of colour,” says Francis.
The number of clubs striving to improve diversity in cycling has increased significantly over recent years, and others such as Black Cyclists Network and Brothers Who Bike also provide platforms for elevating the presence and voices of black, Asian and other less represented groups across club cycling.
Advertisement
Groups like Cycle Sisters, Evolve and Hop-On create pathways are providing spaces to cater for different gendered religious or cultural requirements. “I know Muslim women, including many who wear the hijab, who were brand new to cycling five years ago, now doing big sportives and investing in the latest cycling kit, be it road or gravel,” says Diversity in Cycling report author, Andy Edwards.
Cycle Sisters has expanded from a single group to operate in nine boroughs across London, with over 1,500 women in their network and over 100 trained volunteer Ride Leaders. ”We are demonstrating that women from all backgrounds can cycle confidently, normalising cycling for Muslim women and other underrepresented groups,” outlines Deryn Ellis from the club.
Cycle Sisters riding in a park together
(Image credit: Jenna Selby)
Women account for well under a quarter of British Cycling’s membership, but, women-only clubs and events have sought to bridge this gap, and there are a growing range of them in the UK.
(Image credit: Jenna Selby)
-
Women account for well under a quarter of British Cycling’s membership, but, women-only clubs and events have sought to bridge this gap, and there are a growing range of them in the UK.
Leave a Reply