A lifelong cyclist, Danielle competed for many years before becoming a ride leader. This was a role she approached with huge determination and enthusiasm and has since inspired hundreds of women to get into cycling as a Breeze champion, Bikeability instructor and level two coach. She is also a women’s advocate for the Trek Wilmslow store and arranges rides and events specifically aimed at getting more women involved in cycling. 

Danielle Riley said…

“I’ve been a lifelong cyclist, growing up in a cycling family that travelled Europe supporting the GB team in the 1970s and 80s. 

“My mum and dad were volunteers in the sport, and we spent most weekends at various bike races in the north west of England. I raced on the road, track and mountain bikes for a number of years before retiring to become a recreational cyclist. 

“I didn't realise how much of cycling I had absorbed and on giving up racing I got involved in the development of the sport, particularly encouraging women to get involved and ride recreationally and develop the basic skills required to ride safely and confidently. The only racing I do now is the annual Brompton World Championships.

I didn't realise how much of cycling I had absorbed and on giving up racing I got involved in the development of the sport, particularly encouraging women to get involved and ride recreationally and develop the basic skills required to ride safely and confidently

Danielle Riley

“I trained as a ride leader and got involved with British Cycling’s led ride programme and Breeze programme in 2009, progressing to becoming a ride leader tutor which has led me to travel the length and breadth of the UK delivering courses. 

“I regularly lead women only rides at a variety of levels for several different organisations. I was encouraged to do my coaching qualifications and as a result I have supported many women’s coaching days in the Greater Manchester area and the North West.

“These have included encouraging beginners to use the purpose-built circuits as safe traffic-free environments to practice skills before venturing out onto the roads. As a result I have done my track coaching and regularly coach the women-only sessions at the National Cycling Centre. 

“I have developed a number of coaching programmes in conjunction with the Racing Chance Foundation and Breeze to provide opportunities for women to participate at whatever level they wish from beginner through to experienced. 

“Developing the women’s specific coaching programmes that focus on the skills that women often are nervous about is my speciality as a coach. I am a coach educator with British Cycling and was involved in getting the Breeze champions trained as level 1 coaches to complement their ride leadership qualifications.

“I have worked with Transport for Greater Manchester to provide women-only sessions aimed at encouraging more women to make everyday journeys by bike and to integrate cycling into their everyday lifestyles for health, wellbeing and sustainability.

“On a personal level I ride regularly with the Cheshire Maverick cycling Club, where I hold the position of club coach and arrange regular training sessions for both adult and child members, as well as encouraging the adoption of good practice around ride leadership. 

I am a women’s advocate for the Trek Wilmslow store and arrange rides and events specifically aimed at getting more women involved in cycling by providing opportunities for them to attend events and clinics which provide tips on where to ride, basic mechanics and inspiring guest speakers

Danielle Riley

“I am a women’s advocate for the Trek Wilmslow store and arrange rides and events specifically aimed at getting more women involved in cycling by providing opportunities for them to attend events and clinics which provide tips on where to ride, basic mechanics and inspiring guest speakers. I am a member of the BC North West board and the women’s strategy group that looks at closing the gender gap within the cycling world.

“Becoming a ride leader, coach and coach educator has been life changing for myself as I have been able to develop my own love of cycling through encouraging others to participate in cycling. The inspiring women that I have met as a result and encourage me to help provide more opportunities for all. I am passionate about providing opportunities at all levels to get women involved in cycling from recreation to racing.”

Nominated by…

Danielle was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Karen Dillon who said: 

“Danielle works tirelessly to get both men and women into cycling. She is a cycling coach, ride leader and teaches a wide range of courses for British Cycling as well as holding down a full-time job. 

“She is the coaching committee member for Cheshire Mavericks and promotes all aspects of coaching with the club. She is inspirational and has brought many people into cycling with her enthusiasm, professionalism, and constant support for all of us.”