Catriona McAllister
Catriona McAllister is a mother of three who, as the CEO of Jersey Sport, is passionate about getting people active. Although originally from Scotland, she has been living in Jersey for the last two years and at the start of 2019 she launched the HSBC UK Breeze cycling programme in the island.
Catriona is the volunteer coordinator for all the Breeze rides in Jersey. The programme started in January when the ladies who attended managed a six-mile ride. Now the same group of ladies are cycling 20 miles.
Catriona said: “One lady was about to be diagnosed as type two diabetic but after falling in love with cycling she is now back within normal limits. I am so proud of them all.
“I have also been teaching women how to cycle. One lady from Uganda is the first female in her family ever to ride a bike as culturally it's not acceptable for women to cycle there.
Cycling gives so many people a place to feel free.
Catriona McAllister
“I love cycling as it is a great way to keep fit outdoors that can be built into my day. I commute every day on the bike and love the head space I get before and after work.
"I also love cycling with my club, Jersey Rouleurs who are all about social cycling. My whole family cycle and I am so proud of my son who cycles every day to school despite having learning issues. Cycling gives him and so many others a place to feel free.”
Catriona was nominated for 100 Women in Cycling by a member of Jersey Breeze , who said: “I reluctantly joined the Jersey Breeze women’s cycling group some eight weeks ago as a larger and unfit women, who was lacking in self-confidence when it came to exercise and whose body was crying out for some attention.
“Catriona immediately understood my anxieties and focused on my strengths in her welcoming, encouraging, non-judgmental and ‘can-do’ way.
“Catriona’s enthusiasm for cycling and wish to share this with me, our group and the wider community of Jersey both regardless of age, size or ability, is I believe, truly inspirational and should be recognised and commended.
“I am already feeling fitter and happier. Catriona has helped me realise both the physical and psychological benefits of cycling, and has empowered and enabled me to become an active participator rather than an inactive bystander.”
What is 100 Women in Cycling?
Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling is an annual list celebrating inspirational women who are encouraging others to cycle.
