Jill has been a passionate cyclist for much of her life. A crucial member of several local groups and former member of Cycling UK's council (then CTC). Now in her 70s, she continues to lead rides and encourage and support new members. 

Jill Kieran said…

“Freedom, friendship and fitness were the starting point for me in cycling. The camaraderie, knowledge and personal fulfilment it gave was never ending. I just felt I had experienced something extraordinary and thought I must share it.

“My luck in finding a group cycling club – the Edgware Section of CTC in the 1980s – started a passion for the rest of my life. I became over the years involved in local club administration, because it gave me the chance to give back to the exhilarating lifestyle I loved and wanted to share. 

“Eventually, having been a club secretary and involved with wider area committees, I found myself on the CTC council, and was the second woman to chair the council in its history. 

“My beliefs and aims throughout this time were to communicate to as many people as possible, especially women, the positivity of cycling for health, personal wellbeing and care for the environment, all through the structure of a national organisation of local clubs. 

The joy of physical challenge, the importance of the social interaction and the genuine care shown in groups showed me how vital it was to support welcoming cycling and introduce as many people as possible to benefit.

Jill Kieran

“The joy of physical challenge, the importance of the social interaction and the genuine care shown in groups showed me how vital it was to support welcoming cycling and introduce as many people as possible to benefit.

“I have been a secretary of several cycling groups over 30 years and still find myself in that role today. By supporting newcomers and novices, providing behind the scenes organisation and support for club members, I hope my enthusiasm will continue bring others to love cycling. Encouraging families and especially children to feel confident and safe when cycling is an ongoing challenge we need to pursue.

“As I grow older, I recognise the special relationships within clubs. Gender, age, background become unimportant – what matters is the bicycle bringing us together. Being outside, exploring countryside, learning about cycle maintenance, keeping healthy and supporting each other. 

“As cycling becomes valued in society the opportunities for commuting, general health and pure enjoyment come together. I am so sure the positive future of cycling is about to explode!”

Nominated by…

Jill Kieran was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Mary Emerson-Reed who said: 

“Cyclist to her bones, Jill's first thought is ‘which bike shall I ride today?’ She regularly leads our club rides and takes beginners' rides in the village. 

“Now in her 70s she is worried about cycling too slowly for the club, but we're all over 60 and quite pleased to be keeping up!”