Annahita Benbow: Founder of Northwest Pedal Express in Brent, recognised for leading weekly bike buses that help children travel to school safely and confidently. While TfL builds infrastructure, Annahita ensures the next generation knows how to use it – teaching skills, building confidence and championing road safety.
Carol Summers: London Ambulance Service paramedic of more than 20 years and Cycle Response Unit leader, honoured for inspiring confidence in female paramedics to cycle and responding to 999 calls by bike. Outside work she cycles a 40-mile daily commute, conquers major cycle climbs like Mont Ventoux and has competed in the 2023 UCI World Championships.
Emily Chappell: Ultracyclist, courier and author, celebrated for inspiring women and girls to see cycling as a route to adventure and confidence. The first female finisher of the Transcontinental Race, she has encouraged countless riders to push their limits through her writing and community support.
Harjit Kaur Lakhan: Sikh Cycling Club leader, honoured for helping women (particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds) to access cycling. She mentors new riders, leads inclusive rides and removes cultural, financial and confidence barriers, all while undertaking major charity challenges.
Jean Dollimore: Camden cycling campaigner for more than two decades. Drawing on her data expertise, she has shaped local decisions on safer cycling infrastructure, contributed to key policy documents and supported countless consultations. Her calm, evidence-driven advocacy has made Camden a leader in active travel.
Dr Jenny Drife: Consultant psychiatrist leading the START Homeless Mental Health Outreach Team. She cycles daily across Lambeth and Southwark to reach rough sleepers in parks, tents and hostels, providing care where it’s needed most. A fearless all-weather rider and inspiring role model.
Naomi Rumble: Director of Together We Ride, recognised for empowering women (especially Black women) to embrace cycling joyfully and confidently. She champions diversity, body positivity and belonging, building a supportive London cycling community.
Samra Said: Chair and ride leader of Cycle Sisters, which received the highest number of nominations. Under her leadership, Samra has transformed access to cycling for Muslim and ethnically diverse women, growing the network to more than 2,200 riders. She creates spaces where women feel welcome, empowered and safe, and is described as “life changing” by those she leads.
Terry Clarke: U3A cycling group leader whose weekly rides along back streets and lanes to avoid the traffic, together with her boundless energy and encouragement, have helped people in later life discover and rediscover the benefits and camaraderie of cycling in a group. Her compassionate leadership, inclusive community spirit and dedication have inspired beginners, returning riders and those recovering from serious injury to get on their bikes.
Tessie Reynolds: Pioneering historical trailblazer who rode from London to Brighton and back in 1893, aged just 16, breaking the record at a time when women weren’t even recognised as cyclists. Riding in cycling shorts, she defied strict Victorian norms and faced hostility, yet her determination paved the way for generations of women riders.
