Shirley Quemby

Shirley’s parents were both club cyclists so, for her, cycling was a natural way to travel. 

Shirley said: “Every year I stayed with my aunt in York. Her father, my grandfather, cycled with a club riding his High Ordinary also known as the Penny Farthing.” 

Cycling has always been an important part of Shirley’s life so it was only natural that serving on a British Cycle Tourist Competition committee led her to meet her husband in 1967. 

Their three children all grew up on the backs of tandems or triplets and their grandchildren (twins aged ten) are now cycling to school on a tandem with tag-along or on solos.

We made a check list and in those early years our volunteers checked many hundreds of bikes.

Shirley Quemby

Shirley remember campaigning during the 1984 Bike Week: “We decided to offer free cycle checks in Sutton High Street. We made a check list and in those early years our volunteers checked many hundreds of bikes. 

“Many cycle owners told us they were scared of the traffic so, in 1996, local CTC members set up a weekly Beginners Section from Nonsuch Park (between Sutton and Epsom). 

“Fifteen of us shared our knowledge of pleasant quiet routes and of course tea stops.” 

Over the years the group has continued to grow and Shirley is still offering support, advice and anything else that helps new riders to be safe and happy.

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.