Londoners are invited to put forward the names of their female cycling heroes for a unique tribute on International Women’s Day.
To celebrate this occasion on March 8, Santander Cycles and Transport for London (TfL) will honor 10 women who have made significant contributions to cycling by naming hire bikes after them.
According to TfL, the number of cyclists in the city has increased by 43% since 2019; however, women are still cycling less than their male counterparts due to concerns over road safety and the financial burden of purchasing bicycles.
The London Cycling Campaign (LCC) Women’s network has urged the Mayor of London to ensure cycling becomes an inclusive form of transport by the year 2030.
The group stated: “We appreciate TfL’s initiative to recognize women in cycling and acknowledge the desire for women to cycle more safely and in greater numbers.
“Currently, only one-third of all daily cycling trips in London are made by women, which is why the London Cycling Campaign collaborates with TfL, municipal authorities, and the police to address the challenges preventing more women from cycling in the city.”
The organization highlighted that women encounter unique obstacles such as harassment and safety concerns, advocating for the development of high-quality, accessible infrastructure that instills confidence in women cyclists, including those with children.
It also called for enhanced measures to bolster social safety, emphasizing the need for better monitoring and reporting mechanisms to combat intimidation and harassment.
The campaign encourages investment in local routes, like low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs) and secure pathways to schools, rather than focusing solely on commuter routes.
TfL revealed that initiatives such as Cycle Sisters and Cycle Together are designed to promote cycling among women and girls.
Additionally, discounts on hire bikes are offered for students, care leavers, and senior residents, per TfL’s recent action plan.
TfL noted that its cycling network has expanded from 90 km in 2016 to over 431 km, with nearly a third of Londoners now situated within 400 meters of a cycling route.
Cyclists are encouraged to submit their nominations by emailing SantanderCyclesvote@tfl.gov.uk or mailing their entries by February 8 for the opportunity to see their hero’s name featured on a bike.
Submissions should include the nominee’s name along with a brief description of what makes them inspiring.
