Polly has been working with Lifecycle UK in Bristol for over ten years as a cycle instructor, ride leader and mechanic. She is now working for Red Fox Cycling, a social enterprise which aims to reduce the environmental footprint of UK music festivals by encouraging festival goers to choose to travel by bicycle, and not use motorised transport.

Polly Stubley said…

“I have worked with Lifecycle UK https://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/  as a cycle instructor/tutor, ride leader and bike mechanic since 2007. More recently I joined forces with Red Fox Cycling to plan and lead bike rides to festivals. I find both jobs so rewarding and fun because they are both wonderful organisations to work with. 

“At Lifecycle the training is all about helping people to learn coping skills for being part of the traffic and unpicking the confusing infrastructure by planning routes and closely observing how people use a space. The led rides are focused on inclusivity, mental wellbeing, taking adventures as a group and capturing many moments of joy. 

The led rides are focused on inclusivity, mental wellbeing, taking adventures as a group and capturing many moments of joy

Polly Stubley

“In my spare time I often work with women's cycle schemes in Bristol and help out with the occasional led ride. I love to create cycle inspired prints for both t-shirts and wall art. I have a bicycle themed colouring book full of inspiring cycling quotes and images. 

“I have dabbled in transport infrastructure however found the maths too confusing and sadly was the only women on my course so I'm still looking for a way to be involved with designing improvements to our roads and public spaces. 

“Bristol Cycle Campaign have been a great group to be involved with and the most recent increase in people cycling is helping bring infrastructure issues into view.”

Nominated by…

Polly was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Richard Wake who said: 

“Polly has a unique combination of skills, qualifications and personality traits which encourages, motivates, inspires and reassures. 

“She is a cycle lead guide for Red Fox Cycling. Not only is Polly an expert bicycle mechanic, qualified ride leader and sustainability champion, she has a unique ability to motivate less experienced riders to push themselves to ride distances, conquer hills and complete rides they did not believe they were capable of. 

Not only is Polly an expert bicycle mechanic, qualified ride leader and sustainability champion, she has a unique ability to motivate less experienced riders to push themselves to ride distances, conquer hills and complete rides they did not believe they were capable of.

“She does this with empathy, patience, calm and compassion. Polly is a model ride leader and teacher, extremely likeable and cares deeply about people and the planet. We need more Pollys in the world."