Cycling has a lot of benefits and millions have been using it as a mode of transport and as part of their exercise. Interestingly, the pandemic led people to adapt to cycling in large numbers fearing the contraction of the virus and to maintain social distancing. Though cycling is a personal choice, there is one organisation that has been running since 1878 and has made many people switch to cycling.
Cycling UK organisation has a long and illustrious history, founded in 1878, they fought and advocated for cyclists' rights for over 140 years, firstly as the Bicycle Touring Club, then the Cyclists Touring Club and now as Cycling UK.
Now, the UK's cycling charity has more than 70,000 members with an aim to create a better world by bike for all.
Tiia Jaakola, Communications and media officer at Cycling UK said they want a cleaner, happier and healthier world. They want people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be able to cycle safely, easily and enjoyably.
“Our mission at Cycling UK is to enable millions more to cycle. Imagine a country where cycling is a safe and popular mode of transport for people of all backgrounds and abilities, where air pollution is no longer poisoning our children, obesity has been eliminated, and traffic congestion is gone. This is Cycling UK’s vision.
“As an independent, democratic and expert organisation, our activities reflect the commitment of our members, volunteers and partners to make cycling mainstream and to create a lasting difference to the lives of individuals and communities.”
Cycling UK also runs a whole host of community programmes that introduces cycling to people who might not normally consider how riding a bike could help them. Their Big Bike Revival in England, which is all about helping anyone and everyone begin or return to cycling, including lots of work with the British Asian community is one example.
"The Big Bike Revival helps people through a programme of free activities and services delivered by local community organisations, fixing bikes, teaching skills and leading rides to give people the confidence they need to turn cycling into a lifelong habit and source of joy."
The charity also launches its annual 100 Women in Cycling 2022, a list now in its sixth year celebrating inspirational women who empower others to get in the saddle.
The list this year included household names from sport such as Tour de France Femmes winner and Road World Champion Annemiek van Vleuten, para-cyclist pair Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl, 10-year old BMX champ Amelie Eaton, and other inspirational figures like poet Caroline Burrows who uses her medium to tell stories about cycling and climate activist Jessie Stevens, who was just 17 when she cycled from Dartmoor to Glasgow for COP26.
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said:
“At a time when people in the UK are turning to cycling in numbers not seen since the 60s, it’s more important than ever to celebrate those who empower others, whether people want to cycle because it’s an affordable, sustainable and healthy transport option, or because it’s simply fun.
“Representation makes a huge difference, and improving the visibility of women’s cycling means more women are likely to feel it is also for them. This is what makes the work our 100 Women in Cycling do so important – whether it’s winning races, supporting their community, or telling stories about the adventures and challenges faced by other inspiring women.”
Social media influencer and Brompton bike enthusiast Kamar Omar, who was nominated for 100 Women Cycling 2022, started cycling during the lockdown on a Brompton.
“Cycling has opened so many doors for me, especially being independent. It has changed my life and it has given me so much freedom. I just believe every day that I am on my bike is a new adventure because there is always somewhere new to explore and see.”
She took to Twitter to share the certificate that she received as part of the nomination.
“Yay! My #100WomenInCycling certificate has arrived! I'm so proud of myself. I've come a long way with my Brompton adventures. This has to be the biggest achievement.
I am so glad and happy that I was able to inspire lots of other people to start or go back to cycling.”
