The women have all been recognised in celebration of the amazing work they have done to inspire other women to cycle as the national cycling charity officially launches its Women’s Festival of Cycling.

Other well-known names who have made the list include broadcaster Rebecca Charlton, Eurosport presenter Orla Chennaoui, YouTube sensation Ruby Isaac, former road and track cyclists Dani Rowe and Joanna Rowsell, and cycling presenter, Laura Winter.

The annual list also includes less well-known women who have been working tirelessly at grassroots level to encourage more women to ride, people such as Emma Pajarillaga, who only returned to cycling two-and-a-half years ago.

Encouraged by her friend to join a cycle ride, Emma was completely hooked, and went on to help set up Cycle Sisters, a Waltham Forest-based Muslim women’s cycle group, and has trained as a ride leader.

It’s estimated that only a million women in the UK cycle regularly – just 3% of the population, with many more bike journeys made by men than women.

The Women’s Festival of Cycling aims to address that imbalance by inspiring more women to get in the saddle.

A recent poll carried out by YouGov on behalf of Cycling UK found that 36%* of women said they would be inspired to cycle more with the encouragement of friends and family.

So now the charity is now challenging every female cyclist in the UK to enlist at least one more woman to start cycling through July.

Helen Cook, head of engagement, said: “Every woman on our list is an incredible ambassador for women’s cycling, but sadly women remain under-represented when it comes to everyday cycling.

“The gauntlet we’re throwing down today is for every woman who already cycles regularly to find just one more woman they can help and inspire to get on their bike.”

The awards will be presented today at a parliamentary reception in Westminster following a ride to the House of Commons by more than 150 women to raise awareness of women’s cycling.

The ride will be led by one of the 100 Women, TV personality Angellica Bell, who only started cycling as an adult after being inspired by her step-father, and a chance to appear on a TV cycling challenge to ride a stage of the Tour de France.

Angellica said: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if every female cyclist in this country persuaded just one more woman to take up cycling. Imagine the difference that could make.

“Cycling is not only one of the most enjoyable ways of getting around, it’s great for your health, fitness and the environment.”

The Women’s Festival of Cycling takes place throughout July, with events around the UK to encourage more women to cycle.

To make an online pledge to encourage another woman to cycle, visit our pledge page: www.cyclinguk.org/pledge

To find out more about the Women’s Festival of Cycling and to see a full list of nominees, visit our website: www.cyclinguk.org/womens-festival-cycling 

ENDS