Cycling / Cycling UK
Two Bristol women named among UK’s 100 most inspirational women in cycling
A Bikeability instructor and university researcher are named among the most exceptional women on two wheels by Cycling UK in its 100 Women in Cycling list.
Asha Gwatkin and Dr Fiona Spotswood have both been recognised for their work encouraging other women to get on their bikes.
They are on the cycling charity’s annual list which is divided into community champions, industry moguls, cycle influencers and sporting heroes.
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Asha Gwatkin works as a Bikeability instructor with Life Cycle, training adults and children to ride safely and confidently on the road – photo: Asha Gwatkin
Asha Gwatkin, 28, works for Life Cycle, a charity based in the Create Centre that supports people to choose as their main mode of transport for short daily journeys, helping to coordinate cycle training for thousands of schoolchildren across Bristol every year.
She said: “Working for Life Cycle has given me a great buzz as I am able to help a wide range of children and adults to start their pedalling journey.”
Dr Fiona Spotswood, 44, has focused her academic career on understanding and illuminating inequalities in sport and physical activity – photo: Fiona Spotswood
Dr Fiona Spotswood, 44, has focused her academic career at the University of Bristol on understanding and illuminating inequalities in sport and physical activity.
Her current research focuses on mountain biking, talking to women cyclists, industry professionals and journalists to understand the persistent gender inequalities in the male-dominated scene.
“Our follow-on projects seek to provide greater visibility and support for communities of women in mountain biking,” Fiona said.
“Our research is ongoing and based on a personal passion for mountain biking, which has also driven me to run Bristol Shredders, a club for children up to 13.”
Main photo: Asha Gwatkin and Fiona Spotswood
Read next:
- New structures dedicated to local heroes appear on cycle path
- Is Bristol a cycle-friendly city?
- Tips to make cycling in Bristol less sh*t
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