The search begins for the most inspirational women in cycling, announces Cycling UK

To mark International Women’s Day, Cycling UK launches the eagerly awaited nominations for its prestigious 100 Women in Cycling 2024 awards. Now in its eighth consecutive year, this groundbreaking initiative celebrates the extraordinary contributions of women shaping the future of cycling across the nation through empowering others.

From urban streets to remote trails, these remarkable women are making cycling more accessible and inclusive. Whether pioneering community schemes, driving industry innovation, igniting social change, or conquering podiums, each accolade is awarded for achievements that encourage a more diverse group of people to feel like cycling is for them – whether as their chosen mode of transport or as a leisure activity.

It’s now time for the nation’s public to nominate their role models so that we can celebrate our 100 Women in Cycling as part of the continuing quest to address the gender imbalance in cycling.   

Nominations are open to all and span four distinct categories:

• Community champion: The unsung heroes of cycling groups, school-run mums organising bike buses, founders of bike schemes for refugees; these women teach others how to ride, lead rides and support others to find their confidence.
   
• Sporting hero: Women who have embarked on epic adventures or achieved in the sport of cycling, regardless of discipline.
   
• Cycle influencer: People inspiring others or creating change through a variety of means; active travel campaigners, local politicians, social media stars, journalists, filmmakers and artists who promote cycling to their audiences.
   
• Industry mogul: Women breaking down barriers and creating female-friendly spaces in the cycling industry: business owners and others who represent women in the bike trade at different levels, bike mechanics, designers of bikes, accessories and cycling fashion.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK's chief executive, said: "In the UK, men are much more likely to cycle regularly than women, so we believe that sharing these stories widely can play an important role in encouraging more women to give cycling a go.

“There’s no denying that women, on average, face more barriers to taking up cycling. The women we celebrate are breaking those barriers down and we want to shine a spotlight on their hard work, improving the visibility of women who are already enjoying time on their bike.

“Whatever your background or ability, there are so many benefits to reap from cycling, not least the joy it brings. Every nomination represents a unique story of determination, passion and dedication to making cycling accessible to all. Help us celebrate their achievements and inspire others to join the movement towards a more diverse and equitable cycling world."

Past 100 Women in Cycling lists have included:

• Maxine Peake, actress, director and writer, a keen cyclist who wrote a play about legend Beryl Burton
• Angellica Bell, TV and radio presenter who discovered cycling through reality show Tour de Celeb, showing others you can learn to ride and discover cycling as an adult
• Gail Porter, TV presenter, mental-health advocate and champion of cycling
• Dame Sarah Storey DBE, British paralympic athlete and multiple gold medallist in the Paralympic Games
• Kadeena Cox OBE, Paralympic and world champion in track cycling
• Rachel Atherton, British and World Champion in downhill mountain biking  
• Trudy Lindblade, CEO at 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

For more information and to submit nominations, visit Cycling UK’s website: https://www.cyclinguk.org/100women/nominations.