Raiyhana learnt to ride a bike at 24, after her husband found a rusty bike in her parents’ backyard and encouraged her to give it a try. With him cheering her on, she was pedalling on her own within two hours. This was the first time she’d ever seen an Asian woman on a bike!
Raiyhana joined Cycle Sisters Redbridge group in 2021 and began building her confidence through weekly rides. She trained as a volunteer ride leader in 2023 and now regularly leads rides for the group, supporting other women to discover cycling.
Having gone on to take part in longer-distance events such as London to Paris, RideLondon and Etape Caledonia, Raiyhana wanted to help make these kinds of experiences more accessible to other women like her. She now volunteers as a road club leader, supporting women to take on bigger challenges in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Raiyhana’s journey is a brilliant example of how cycling can open new possibilities and how women who start as riders can go on to lead, organise and inspire others.
