Cycling UK opens nominations for 100 Women in Cycling 2023

The UK’s cycling charity invites public to nominate women doing exceptional work inspiring others, in any corner of the cycling world.

Cycling UK is looking for nominations for 100 Women in Cycling 2023, its annual list celebrating inspirational women who empower others to cycle. Each year the charity invites members of the public to nominate women who have made a lasting impression with their hard work to make cycling more inclusive. And this year you might recognise one of the judges…!

Now in its seventh year, the list aims to improve visibility of women’s cycling by spotlighting individuals whose work is shifting the balance in a field traditionally perceived as being dominated by white cis males. The award recognises any achievements that have helped or inspired more women from diverse backgrounds get on their bikes. Equal consideration is given to those achieving athletic feats, making waves as influencers in the public eye, entrepreneurs who ensure women are represented across the industry, and those working tirelessly to have a positive impact on their local communities.

Nominations can be made in four categories: community champion, industry mogul, cycle influencer or sporting hero.

The 100 Women in Cycling 2022 list included Jessie Stevens, climate activist who was only 17 when she cycled from Dartmoor to Glasgow for the COP26 summit in order to travel there in a sustainable way. Also recognised were Paralympian pair Jenny Holl and Sophie Unwin, and chief executive at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Trudy Lindblade, as well as a variety of adventurers, club founders, ride leaders, female-specific coaches, inclusive cycling campaigners and bike mechanics.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said:

“Evidence shows cycling is especially beneficial to women’s health, yet in the UK, men are still making a far greater number of trips by bike each year than women are.

“At Cycling UK we believe visibility is absolutely key, especially when it comes to the people we don’t usually expect to see cycling. Every year I’m blown away by the incredible stories I read about in our annual list celebrating women in cycling. Yes, there are gold medal winners, but there are also people who you might imagine popping out for a ride with on a Sunday. It’s all these women, who inspire us to cycle in so many ways, that we want to celebrate.

“We hope to inspire many more women to see cycling is something that we can all do, whatever our background or ability. That’s why it’s crucial that Cycling UK celebrates all the amazing work these women do, encouraging others to get on their bikes.”

This year two guest judges will join the Cycling UK judging panel; Hannah Dobson, managing editor of Singletrack World, and Michelle Arthurs-Brennan, digital editor of Cycling Weekly.

Hannah Dobson said:

“I’m looking forward to learning about all the amazing women doing great things with bikes. From epic personal feats to those enabling others to experience the joy of bikes, I’m sure there will be plenty of inspiring stories. I’ll enjoy reading all the nominations, but I’m less keen on having to choose between them!”

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan said:

“The cycling industry looks so very different now, compared to the landscape that existed when I began writing about bikes, around a decade ago. There are more women involved in decision-making, and where there are gaps in representation, most brands are keen to redress the balance.

“It’s women like those recognised in Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling who are making that happen. Women who have the courage to enter a male-dominated discipline, and empower others to follow – and it’s so important that we continue to celebrate their achievements as we work towards the goal of gender parity within cycling.”

To see previous years’ lists, go to https://www.cyclinguk.org/100women

While you’re here…

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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