Meet the Ride Leaders: Black History Month Special

For this special Black History Month edition of Meet the Ride Leaders, we’re hearing from four inspiring women in our community — Rahma, Taqia, Marian and Zulaika.

They share their experiences of discovering cycling, what motivated them to lead rides, and the achievements and challenges that have shaped their journeys.

Rahma, Tower Hamlets Ride Leader & Cycle Instructor

How did you first get into cycling?

I was around 7-years-old when I first got into cycling. I didn’t have my own bike, but I learned through the children in our neighbourhood. We all shared bikes, and it wasn’t until I became a teenager that I finally got my own.

I first discovered my passion for cycling as a teenager, riding to school with friends every day. Over time, that passion faded, especially as I didn’t see many young Black women like myself cycling when I got older.

Years later, after being diagnosed with MS and struggling to walk, I turned back to the bike as a way to stay active and regain my independence. Cycling gave me freedom again.

What motivated you to become a Ride Leader? 

When I joined Cycle Sisters, I found not only support but also a community where I felt seen and encouraged. That inspired me to train as a Ride Leader so I could help other women, especially Black Muslim women like myself, feel confident, comfortable, and protected on their cycling journeys.

Having grown up riding bikes from a young age, I’ve developed not only strong riding skills but also a genuine passion for helping others discover the same confidence and freedom that cycling brings.

Leading rides is my way of giving back and showing that, no matter your background or challenges, cycling is for you too.

What are you most proud of in your cycling journey?

I’m proud of how far I’ve pushed myself—from being diagnosed with MS to getting back on a bike and riding with confidence. I’ve faced fears, challenged misconceptions about Black Muslim women in hijab with invisible disabilities, and proved to myself that nothing can hold me back.

Riding alone at night and finally completing Ride London were monumental achievements that gave me strength, pride, and belief in myself.

What do you enjoy most about leading rides?

What I enjoy most about leading rides is seeing the growth in others, their achievements, confidence, and joy. It’s so rewarding to know that we’ve inspired women who now look up to us as role models.

The smiles at the end of a ride, the appreciation, the meaningful conversations, and the laughter we share are what make ride leading so special to me.

What impact do you hope your example as a cyclist will have on others?

As a Black Muslim woman with an invisible disability, I hope my example shows that cycling is for everyone. I want others to see that no matter your background or challenges, you belong in this space and your presence matters.

Being a Black Muslim woman in hijab feels like being a light in a crowd. We have to be that much more competent in our work and make others feel comfortable and safe when we take them out on a ride. There’s extra pressure and responsibility in leading a group and representing an entire community, but it’s also an honour.

In what ways has cycling helped you connect with other Black riders and build community?

Cycling has opened many doors for me to connect with different community groups. The Black Unity Ride is one I saw many times on Instagram, and when I finally joined, it didn’t feel like just a group, it felt like family. Being surrounded by other Black riders gave me a sense of belonging, pride, and support, reminding me that I wasn’t alone out there.

What has been your biggest challenge as a Black Muslim Ride Leader? 

Being a Black Muslim woman in cycling isn’t always easy, but it’s taught me resilience. My biggest challenge has been staying brave while creating a safe and welcoming space for others.

Is there a Black rider who inspires you — and why?

All women inspire me in different ways, but Kadeena Cox has to be my biggest inspiration. She also has MS, so I can really relate to her. She’s always been encouraging, and she even replies to my messages on Instagram, which means so much to me.

Taqia, Ealing Ride Leader & Run Leader

How did you first get into cycling?

I didn't learn to ride until my 40s. I saw an advert that stated 'Beginners ride' and my thinking was that it's for complete beginners. I got excited that I was going to learn to ride for the 1st time. On getting there they quickly realised that I couldn't ride. They apologised but I wouldn't take no for an answer.

I kept getting on and falling off and trying again and again. The lovely leads saw how much effort I was making and my determination. So they let me on the ride that faithful morning.

I slowed the group a little bit down but we got through. The two lovely leads Sarah and Kate were so supportive. I never since looked back. I'm a strong believer of consistency. So I continued to attend the weekly rides and in no time... You guess the rest. Wa LiAllahi LiHamdu (thank God).

What motivated you to become a Ride Leader? 

I joined the Joyriders leads as an opportunity opened up to give back. During my training I met a sister named Ruth, a Cycle Sisters lead Hackney, who told me about Cycle Sisters. Hackney was so far from me but I gave it a go.

I immediately felt a sense of sisterhood and community. The Ride Leaders were supportive, encouraging and motivating. I then joined the Ealing Cycle Sisters as that was more local than Hackney. A beautiful sis Marian encouraged me to be a Ride Leader.

So, when the opportunity arose, I applied. Maa Shaa'a Allahu. It has been an amazing experience. Being able to support other women and watch them grow in confidence has been incredibly rewarding. Al-Hamdu LiAllahi (thank God).

What are you most proud of in your cycling journey?

The most proud moment was when I was able to ride a bike finally for the first time. Allahu Akbar (God is great).

Other proud moments were when I completed Ride London, 100 miles. I was meant to do the 60 miles but accidentally found myself on the route of the 100. I also completed the ride from London to Brighton same year. All these rides on my hybrid bike.

I also did the ride from London to Cambridge with the Cycle Sisters. This was another proud moment because I was doing it with the community where I felt most belong. It wasn't just about the ride. I felt immense pride in terms of the friendship, sisterhood, confidence and memories we built along the way. Cycle Sisters means a lot to me.

What do you enjoy most about leading rides?

What I enjoy most about leading rides is seeing the transformation in the new riders. Their growth in confidence into enthusiast cyclists. Leading rides with the Cycle Sisters gives me joy because of that sense of achievement when you help others and see them blossom.

What impact do you hope your example as a cyclist will have on others?

I hope my example as a cyclist will inspire others from all backgrounds to feel confident in cycling.

Being a Black and munaqabat (face veil wearing) cyclist, I hope it will encourage others to see that there are barriers in cycling. Cycling is for everyone regardless of race, age, faith or gender. I aim to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers by being visible and active especially to those that thinks Black women or Muslims don't cycle.

In what ways has cycling helped you connect with other Black riders and build community?

Cycling has helped me connect with other Black riders and build a sense of community .

Besides Cycle Sisters and Joyriders I've also joined rides with different groups like Black Unity Ride. It's important to support and share the journey and experience with my Black community. Cycling through the heart of central London. It's always a beautiful experience.

What has been your biggest challenge as a Black Muslim Ride Leader? 

There has been times when I've encountered stereotypes. As a Black munaqobat (face veil wearer), people do not expect to see people like myself in a ride leading role. I sometimes feel targeted because of my skin colour and dress code. I get comments like, "That's scary, so scary". I see some others gobsmacked. The expression on their faces when they see me in that Ride Leader role brings a shock to their system.

I've learnt to ignore the negatives comments and looks and focused on the positives. It made me more determined to continue in that role and excel. You can't be what you can't see. 

Despite those challenges, I've found strength in the support of the other riders and community.

I'm more determined to be good examples for others to follow especially those that think that their Islamic dress code is a barrier. Managing this has allowed me to grow as a leader and also allowed me to inspire others to take up spaces in cycling regardless.

Is there a Black rider who inspires you — and why?

Ayesha McGowan, the first Black American woman to ride for a Professional road. She was a resilient and fierce rider. Such an inspiration. 

Muneera and Sabah, the co-founder of Black Muslim Women Bike initiative. They were the driving force behind the group. They are notable examples who promote diversity and inclusivity in cycling. They highlighted Black Muslim women cycling with the goal of increasing representation and visibility for this group. 

These ladies are my inspiration as they serve as important role models, showing that a love for cycling is possible for anyone regardless of their background or appearance.

Marian, Ealing Ride Leader

How did you first get into cycling?

I learned to ride a bike as a child and shared one with my siblings, but I didn’t cycle for many years after that. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I was reintroduced to cycling. My sister and I would use the one-hour leisure break allowed by the government to ride around London together. It was such a lovely experience, and I felt incredibly free during those rides.

What motivated you to become a Ride Leader? 

After the lockdown, I continued cycling and began searching for local cycling clubs to join. I became a member of LCC Hammersmith, and through friends, I heard about Cycle Sisters. My sister and I joined the Cycle Sisters Hounslow group. I loved the group rides, and the Ride Leaders were truly inspiring in the way they supported and encouraged everyone.

Later, I was offered the chance to become a Ride Leader for a new Cycle Sisters group in Ealing, which I was planning to start with Fatema. Unfortunately, due to a family bereavement, I wasn’t able to take up the opportunity until the following year. When I finally became a Ride Leader, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What are you most proud of in your cycling journey?

There have been numerous moments in my cycling journey that I’m proud of, such as completing RideLondon and traveling to Scotland to take part in the Etape Caledonia. However, the most incredible achievement for me was cycling through France, Belgium, and into the Netherlands, all the way to Rotterdam and Amsterdam, with a group of sisters.

This journey was truly unforgettable. We cycled across beautiful landscapes, passed through vibrant cities and quiet villages, and experienced the unique cultures of each country along the way.

The sense of camaraderie and support within our group made the experience even more special. It was a challenge I never imagined I would take on before becoming part of the cycling community, and accomplishing it together was deeply empowering. Looking back, I feel immense pride—not just in the distance we covered, but in the friendships, confidence, and memories we built along the way.

What do you enjoy most about leading rides?

What I enjoy most about leading rides is witnessing the transformation in new riders as they grow in confidence and ability. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone who may have started out nervous or unsure gradually blossom into a capable and enthusiastic cyclist.

Another aspect that means a lot to me is breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, especially the misconception that Muslim women can’t or don’t cycle. Leading rides with Cycle Sisters allows me to support and empower women from all backgrounds, showing that cycling is for everyone.

What impact do you hope your example as a cyclist will have on others?

As a Black Muslim woman, I hope my example as a cyclist will inspire others from all backgrounds to feel welcome and confident in the cycling community.

Representation truly matters, and I want people to see that cycling is not limited by race, faith, or gender. By being visible and active, I aim to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers— especially those that suggest Black women or Muslim women can’t or don’t cycle.

I hope that seeing someone who looks like them, shares their experiences, or comes from a similar background will give others the courage to try something new and step outside their comfort zones.

In what ways has cycling helped you connect with other Black riders and build community?

Cycling has been a powerful way for me to connect with other Black riders and build a genuine sense of community. I make it a priority to join rides with different groups, as I believe it’s important to support and share my journey with my Black brothers and sisters.

One of the highlights of my year is participating in the Black Unity Bike Ride, where I join hundreds of fellow Black cyclists riding together through London. The experience is always beautiful and empowering, creating a strong sense of unity, pride, and celebration of our shared identity.

In addition to the Black Unity Bike Ride, I’ve also had the privilege of riding with groups like BWOW (Black Women on Wheels) and TWR—Together We Ride.

Both of these communities have given me a real sense of family and belonging; they are incredibly welcoming and supportive.

Riding with BWOW and Together We Ride has allowed me to form lasting friendships, share experiences, and encourage more Black women to take up cycling.

What has been your biggest challenge as a Black Muslim Ride Leader? 

One of my biggest challenges as a Black Muslim Ride Leader has been navigating the intersection of race, faith, and gender in spaces where diversity is still growing. There are times when I’ve felt the weight of being one of the few Black Muslim women, which can bring a sense of responsibility to represent my community well and to break down barriers for others who may want to follow a similar path.

Sometimes, I’ve encountered stereotypes or assumptions—whether it’s about my ability to lead, my commitment to cycling, or even my right to occupy certain spaces.

There have been moments where I’ve had to work harder to be heard or to prove myself, especially in environments where people may not be used to seeing someone who looks like me in a ride leading role. Balancing my faith practices, such as prayer times or dressing modestly, with the demands of group rides and events has also required careful planning and sometimes extra explanation.

Despite these challenges, I’ve found strength in my identity and in the support of the cycling communities I’m part of, like Cycle Sisters, BWOW, and Together We Ride. These experiences have made me even more determined to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. Overcoming these obstacles has not only helped me grow as a leader but has also allowed me to inspire others to step forward and take up space in cycling, regardless of their background.

Is there a Black rider who inspires you — and why?

There are three Black women riders who have truly inspired me on my journey:

Kittie Knox was one of the first African American women to be accepted into the League of American Wheelmen. Despite facing both racial and gender discrimination, she competed in major cycling events and challenged the norms of her time.

Ayesha McGowan is the first African American woman to become a professional road cyclist. She is not only an accomplished athlete but also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in cycling.

Khadijah Diggs is an American Muslim triathlete who made history as the first hijabi Muslim woman to represent Team USA in triathlon. She began her journey later in life and has become a role model for Muslim women and women of colour in endurance sports.

Zulaika, Tower Hamlets Ride Leader

How did you first get into cycling?

I learned to ride a bike when I was young, but eventually stopped riding as I got older. I picked it up again when I went to university, where they had city hire bikes around campus. It was the fastest and easiest way to get around.

When I moved back to London, I discovered Cycle Sisters, and that’s when I really started cycling more regularly. When I first heard about cycle events like RideLondon, I thought, Why not give it a go? Knowing other sisters were taking part gave me confidence, and it was a great experience soaking up the atmosphere, cycling on closed roads. Since then, I’ve been excited to discover new experiences.

What motivated you to become a Ride Leader? 

Cycle Sisters is the reason I got into cycling so I wanted to share that passion with others and encourage more women to take to the roads. From the beginning, I felt like a part of the community as the Ride Leaders were so welcoming and supportive.

On the rides I’ve connected with amazing women in my area, and it’s been fun to ride alongside people who share that same love for cycling. I knew I wanted to be part of something meaningful so I joined to help others experience that same sense of

belonging and joy with cycling.

What are you most proud of in your cycling journey?

This year, I suffered an injury while training for the London Marathon, just two weeks before my longest ride yet. My knee injury was incredibly painful and It felt like a setback as I decided to end my training early and use the time to recover.

I had already booked tickets for Etape Caledonia and didn’t want to cancel, but I was worried about the impact the ride could have as I wasn’t in ideal condition. I had huge doubts but in the end I gave it a go and managed to complete the marathon, followed closely by London-Brighton and 85 miles at Etape, alhumdullilah (thank God). It was not easy and each ride really tested my endurance. I’m proud of myself for powering through the tough hills to cross the finish line.

What do you enjoy most about leading rides?

It’s great that we support women at all levels whether it's someone just getting back on a bike after years or someone looking to challenge themselves with a tougher route. It’s such a rewarding experience encouraging them along the way.

And as much as I love the thrill of being out on the road, I equally enjoy the café stops as they’re a chance to chat over a hot drink and share stories. I love hearing other women talk about their own journeys and what inspired them to start cycling.

What impact do you hope your example as a cyclist will have on others?

I hope to break down the barriers around what people think a “typical cyclist” looks like.

There’s no one way to look or be a cyclist, and I want more people to feel included in that space. I hope more people pick up a bike, not only because it’s great for your health and the environment, but it opens up so many possibilities.

As a Black Muslim woman, I also want to challenge stereotypes and show up in places people may not expect to see us. Visibility matters as the more we’re seen, the more we show what’s possible.

In what ways has cycling helped you connect with other Black riders and build community?

Through cycling, I’ve discovered some really cool events like the Black Unity Bike Ride. Every August, we bring energy to the streets of London and it makes me proud to see so many other Black riders out there. It’s amazing to witness all the different people and bikes coming together.

Had I not taken up cycling again I would have missed out on being part of something so vibrant and united.

What has been your biggest challenge as a Black Muslim Ride Leader? 

It can be challenging being in a male-dominated environment. Sometimes it feels like people are quick to underestimate your ability but I enjoy challenging the assumptions.

Even small things like choosing a more modest kit to feel comfortable whilst riding and proving it doesn’t hold us back.

Is there a Black rider who inspires you — and why?

I’m endlessly inspired by the incredible women I ride alongside. Taqia, who is currently training for another half marathon and still completed a 100K ride. Marian who has taken on challenging rides across international landscapes and Rahma who pushes through with resilience, undeterred by any barriers allahumah barik. 

They’re not only powerful cyclists but also show up for their families and communities with the same strength and care. They’ve shown what’s possible, and I’m inspired by their strength to keep pushing my own limits.