The London Bike Show and Cycling UK Launch Women’s Cycling Awards

• Both organisations committed to encouraging more participation by female cyclists
• Awards to recognise talent and achievement throughout the cycling world
• Prize giving ceremony takes place on the opening day of the London Bike Show, Friday 27 March

There is inequality in British cycling. While women make up 50% of the population they only cycle a quarter of the miles that men do. The Women’s Cycling Awards recognises those women who are bucking the trend and inspiring others to dust off their bikes and go out riding.

The awards celebrate female talent with winners being announced during a ceremony on the opening day of the London Bike Show on Friday 27 March 2020 at ExCel London

The London Bike Show, having achieved an unprecedented 29% female attendance at the 2019 show through providing a more inclusive programme, is looking to do even better for 2020, challenging the industry trend of catering primarily for male audiences. The Women’s Cycling Awards is an opportunity to showcase the increasing level of interest in women’s sport and further encourage participation.

Consisting of a total of 12 categories, 11 of which have had shortlists selected by a panel of high-profile women working in the cycling industry, the awards include a wide range of categories from Pro Rider of the Year to Volunteer of the Year and Unsung Cycling Heroine.

The accolades cover the full spectrum of female involvement in representing, participating, supporting and inspiring others to stay active. An outstanding achievement award will be given to one of 11 category winners who, above all others, stood out in their efforts to promote women’s cycling.

When you look at people cycling on the roads or trails, you’d think cycling in the UK is dominated by men … events like the Women’s Cycling Awards and our Women’s Festival of Cycling are steps to empowerment needed to bring about change

Helen Cook, Cycling UK's head of engagement

The shortlist will be put to the public vote from 7 February via the Cycling UK website, with the winners announced on the main stage at the London Bike Show from 4pm on Friday 27 March.

Cycling clothing manufacturer Primal Europe has provided unique prizes for award winners. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Geraldine Reeve, show director of the London Bike Show and member of the Women’s Cycling Awards judging panel, said: “We’re very excited to team up with Cycling UK to launch the Women’s Cycling Awards.

“Both Cycling UK and the London Bike Show are really passionate about getting more women cycling, so we’re delighted to recognise the people who provide the inspiration to do this.”

Helen Cook Cycling UK’s head of engagement said: “When you look at people cycling on the roads or trails, you’d think cycling in the UK is dominated by men. That’s the anecdotal evidence but the official statistics prove it.

“Cycling UK’s work with the London Bike Show isn’t going to change this fact magically overnight, but events like the Women’s Cycling Awards and our Women’s Festival of Cycling are steps to empowerment needed to bring about change.

“When we finally have parity among the sexes in cycling numbers, then the UK will be able to call itself a true cycling nation.”

To view the full list of awards categories, shortlist nominees and to cast your vote, visit www.cyclinguk.org/womenscyclingawards

To enquire about Women’s Cycling Awards sponsorship opportunities, contact nik.hart@cyclinguk.org or geraldine@newtimbermedia.co.uk

Tickets to the London Bike Show are available at www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk