Your Santander Cycles unsung heroes 🦸

We teamed up with Santander Cycles to name ten bikes across the city after inspirational women in time for International Women’s Day! 🚲

As part of our plans to address cycling barriers for women and girls, we asked you to share your nominations. It could be women who have paved the way for others, inspired new riders or worked tirelessly to make London’s cycling community more inclusive.

Many were grassroots leaders teaching children to ride, supporting women traditionally underrepresented in cycling to take to two wheels, and advocating for safer cycling infrastructure. More than 150 nominations for female cycling heroes were made.

And your winners are…

A judging panel from City Hall, TfL and Santander selected ten women. Nine were contemporary “unsung heroes” and one historical pioneer. These are 👇

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. She teaches skills, builds confidence and champions 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 of work she cycles a 40-mile daily commute. She 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. She has also 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 (TWR), 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.

Samra Said, Chair & Ride Leader of Cycle Sisters, who received the highest number of nominations, said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have received the most nominations for TfL and Santander Cycle’s International Women’s Day Campaign. This recognition reflects the joy of cycling and the community spirit of every woman who has been part of our journey. Though my name is on the bike, this award is for everyone who gives their time, skills, energy and heart to Cycle Sisters. Together we are creating accessible and empowering spaces for Muslim and ethnically diverse women to cycle and become more healthy, confident and connected.”

Terry Clarke

Terry is a U3A cycling group leader and leads rides along back streets and lanes to avoid the traffic. Together with her boundless energy and encouragement, she has 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 has inspired beginners, returning riders and those recovering from serious injury to get on their bikes.

Tessie Reynolds

Pioneering historical trailblazer who rode from Brighton to London and back in 1893, aged just 16. She broke 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.

Helen Cansick, Head of Investment Planning at TfL and one of the judges, said: “It was incredibly moving to hear the nominations – from early pioneers like Tessie Reynolds to today’s community champions. Whether running local groups, advocating for safer streets or supporting children to cycle to school, their dedication is truly inspiring. We hope celebrating these women on Santander Cycles will encourage even more women and girls to experience the joy of cycling.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “The Mayor and I want cycling to be an option for everyone in London, but women and girls unfortunately still face barriers that can prevent them from riding – from safety concerns to costs and confidence – all of which we’re working with TfL to address. In addition to making streets safer, our research also highlighted the need for more positive representation of female cyclists. So, this campaign to celebrate inspirational women in cycling is an important step in encouraging others to embrace active travel as we continue building a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.”

What we’re doing to tackle barriers for women and girls

The celebration of these role models highlights how far women’s cycling has come. But it also recognises that a significant gender gap remains. National cycling data shows men make nearly three times as many trips each year as women. We’re working with the Mayor and are committed to removing these barriers, including concerns around safety, cost and access.

Our Cycling Action Plan and Equity in Motion inclusion strategies set out a number of actions to make cycling safer and more accessible. including offering a range of concessions. We continue to invest in new Cycleways, safer junctions and community projects that help women to cycle. This includes those supporting ethnically diverse communities, socially isolated women and women in the criminal justice system.

We are committed to growing these numbers further by expanding the strategic cycle network. This has already increased from 90km in 2016 to more than 431km today. We are also investing over £150m through the Safe and Healthy Streets programme to make London safer for walking and cycling.

Spot the bikes across the city

Keep your eyes peeled for these very special bikes which are now circulating around the city!