Three women from Islington have been named among the most exceptional women in cycling, revealed today (Thursday 23 November 2023) by Cycling UK through its annual 100 Women in Cycling list.

London Cycling Campaign trustee and Women’s Network coordinator, Eilidh Murray, ride leader and marshal, Gönül Ekmekci Tekin and YouTube filmmaker, Susanna Thornton, were recognised for their work encouraging other women to get on their bikes.

Each year, the UK’s cycling charity recognises women from all corners of the cycling world who have had a positive impact by inspiring others to cycle and thus helping make cycling a more inclusive space.

Despite the 2021 census showing there are more women than men in the UK, men are much more likely to cycle regularly than women. Cycling UK wants to show through its annual celebration of these inspiring individuals that cycling can be for everyone – no matter your gender, background or ability.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said:

“Cycling is a fantastic way to get around sustainably, keep fit and have fun outdoors and we want everyone to benefit from the joy of cycling. But in the UK, substantially fewer women ride than men. It’s our mission to reverse that and see equal levels of cycling across all genders.

“A great way to encourage more women to cycle is to share the stories of these amazing women – whether they’re chronicling their adventures on social media, advocating for better infrastructure in their neighbourhoods, inspiring their communities to join them for a ride or winning medals around the world.

“Choosing the top one hundred winners involves some really tough choices – there are so many brilliant women out there who we’d want to celebrate.”

Gongs are awarded for a wide range of achievements that have helped inspire more women from diverse backgrounds to get on a bike. They are given in four categories: community champion, industry mogul, cycle influencer and sporting hero.

Eilidh Murray, 68, returned to cycling when, after the 2005 London bombings, her daughter asked her not to use the Tube. She has since then been campaigning tirelessly for safer cycling, particularly for women – she is currently the chair of Trustees for London Cycling Campaign and the coordinator of its new Women’s Network, set up to focus on the major challenges women and those who identify as women face cycling in London. She also volunteers for Cycle Islington and is a ride leader for JoyRiders.

Eilidh said: “Our first major ride in March 2023 had over 1,000 women on bikes – a glorious sight.”

After years of cycling as a child Gönül Ekmekçi Tekin, 64, embraced London’s bustling streets at a feeder ride by Finsbury Cycling Club to the very first Ride London. Now a marshal for led rides and key organizer of the Women’s Freedom Ride, she champions cycling beyond sport, fostering social connections and breaking barriers. Her impact resonates with those she helps who are encouraged and supported by her kind and passionate leadership.

Gönül said: “Led rides bring people together overcoming barriers of ethnicity, cultural background, language and ability to socialise.”

Susanna Thornton, 55, is a YouTube filmmaker, creating inspirational videos where she shares her love of cycling. She films everything from short journeys to visit friends and family to multi-day tours such as riding home to London from Hong Kong. Her aim, she says, is to show people it’s not difficult. She has had four operations for cancer, as well as chemotherapy, but continues to cycle, and remains cheerful and positive.

Susanna said: “I started on a tricycle, clanking round the cul-de-sac where we lived in Stockport. I discovered maps! As a girl I would head off to the Peak District, to see what was there.”

The 100 Women in Cycling 2023 list also includes:
Hanna Ahmed, director, instructor, ride leader and mentor at Hop On, a social enterprise organising bike rides for the community in Bradford
Emily Williams, Scotland’s first bicycle mayor
Dr Fiona Spotswood, an academic at the University of Bristol researching inequality in the mountain biking scene
Aileen McGlynn OBE, paralympic tandem champion cyclist, who grew up in Glasgow but is based in Greater Manchester
Catherine Dunn, filmmaker from Exeter who tells impactful stories of women on their bikes – and many more.

Dr Fiona Spotswood said:

“The 100 Women in Cycling initiative showcases the role women have to play in fostering a more inclusive culture across cycling. My roles in cycling vary – I lead a kids’ mountain bike club, I lead groups of women mountain bikers, and I use my research at the University of Bristol to underpin work with public organisations all committed to helping transform mountain biking. Collectively we’re working to continue transforming mountain biking so it is a place where women and girls feel they belong and can thrive.

“It’s been fantastic to be nominated and to learn about all the other women working in incredible ways to foster change in cycling. I feel very proud.”

This year, Cycling UK’s panel was joined by two guest judges, Michelle Arthurs-Brennan, digital editor of Cycling Weekly, and Hannah Dobson, managing editor of Singletrack World.