Launch of 'Cycling for Diverse Communities' guides

Cycle Sisters launched a series of guides at an online event to celebrate and promote cycling for diverse communities in partnership with London Marathon Foundation.

Since 2016, Cycle Sisters has been working to support Muslim women to cycle and has grown to a network of multiple cycle groups across London and a grassroots movement of more than 1500 women.

These guides aim to share our learning over the past 7 years based on our experience of engaging with one particular under-represented group, Muslim women. With case studies, stories and step-by-step tips, the guides aim to help others who have an interest in supporting more people from diverse communities to cycle. The 3 guides are targeted at different audiences - individuals looking to set up a cycle group, existing groups and clubs, and local authorities.

The online event was attended by over 90 people from the cycling and active travel sectors and was opened with an address from Will Norman, the Mayor of London's Walking & Cycling Commissioner who talked about the important role of community groups in diversifying cycling.

Other speakers at the event included Sarah Javaid MBE, Cycle Sisters' founder who shared the story of how Cycle Sisters has grown from a handful of people in one borough to a London-wide movement, and Syeda Akther, one of Cycle Sisters' volunteer Ride Leaders who talked about her personal story of starting cycling, training as a Ride Leader and taking on sportives and challenges.

Independent researcher Esther Anaya-Boig presented highlights from her evaluation of Cycle Sisters' model which she has been researching for the past year. She talked about the impact on participants' activity levels and wellbeing. A report of her findings will be published by Cycle Sisters soon.

Eleanor Grant from the London Marathon Foundation talked about the partnership with Cycle Sisters and the role of funders in enabling more people from under-represented communities to paticipate in sport.

To watch a recording of the event click here.

To download the guides please click here.