Cycle Sisters Redbridge Volunteers Win Mayor’s Community Award

The Cycle Sisters Redbridge volunteer team has been recognised with a Mayor’s Community Award for Community Champions by the London Borough of Redbridge. 

The Mayor’s Community Awards celebrate individuals, groups and organisations that go above and beyond to make Redbridge a better place to live, recognising those who make a positive and selfless impact on their local community.

The award was presented on Tuesday, 10th March at Redbridge Town Hall, during the awards ceremony held in the Council Chamber. The award was accepted by Humira Shahzad on behalf of the Cycle Sisters Redbridge team.

Reflecting on the recognition, Humira said:

“I was very proud to accept the award on behalf of our Redbridge team!  We feel really proud to have been able to support so many sisters on their cycling journeys. Many of us go above and beyond for our community Alhamdollilah (thank God) and this dedication has reached so many women. We certainly intend to keep growing and improving.”

Since 2020, Cycle Sisters Redbridge has been transforming the health and wellbeing of Muslim women in the borough by offering free weekly women-only group rides. 

The group has grown from just a few riders to more than 500 members across the borough. Over the past year, volunteers have delivered 55 led cycle rides for women and girls in Redbridge. 

Since joining Cycle Sisters, 94% of participants say their physical health has improved and 90% say their mental health has improved.

At the heart of the group is the volunteer team, run by 17 women from the local community, who give hundreds of hours of their time every year to the group.

Members say the supportive environment created by the volunteer Ride Leaders is what makes the group so special. Sylvie, a member of the Redbridge group, said:

“The Ride Leaders demonstrate excellent skills at keeping us safe on the roads and when needed, they help us resolve technical issues with the bikes. But above all they are very kind, friendly, cheerful, make us welcome in the group and always encourage our progress and congratulate us on our achievements.”

For many participants, the impact of the group goes far beyond cycling. Ghizalah, a member

of the Redbridge group, shared:

“Joining Cycle Sisters has completely changed the way I feel about cycling. As someone with rheumatoid arthritis, riding alone always felt not only daunting and isolating, but unsafe. Being part of this all female community has brought me confidence, strength, and a real sense of belonging. It really is more than just a cycling group, it truly is a sisterhood.”

One of the group's Ride Leaders, Imsal, reflected on what being part of the group means for her:

“Cycle Sisters has always been a space that makes me feel seen and accepted. It has made me conscious of the role we can all play in building and supporting a community in however little ways possible. My ride leading role has been pivotal in making me feel like I belong here, something I never felt before as a first gen immigrant in the country. It has, most importantly, given me a purpose and platform to give back to the community with everything I have to offer.”