Sarah Wheeldon

After a 25-year break, Sarah returned to cycling in 2013 and began taking on her Manchester city centre commute by bike. She then found a role as the first Transport for Greater Manchester cycling representative at her office and loved it. One thing led to another, and Sarah was soon involved in a range of cycling activities, including charity events, group outings and even tweed rides.

With funding through TfGM, Sarah was able to take both a bike maintenance course and a ride leader qualification. Keen to encourage others, Sarah established a social cycling group on Facebook earlier this year aimed specifically at those within her local community who were either new to cycling or thinking about taking it up again. The group, Urmston Social Cycling, was set up earlier this year and now has nearly 450 members.

Sarah says, “I enjoy so many different aspects associated with cycling – the social company, the health benefits, the scenery, the fresh air, the personal challenges and the learning how to fix mechanical bits when they go wrong!

“Most of all, I enjoy being able to help others gain from the experience of cycling in the same way as I have done over the last five years. It’s been lovely to have had the privilege of leading rides of up to 30 people aged between two and 70-plus over the last few months. There’s a real community feel building!”

Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling is an annual list celebrating inspirational women who are encouraging others to take part in this wonderful and life-enhancing activity.