Two women from Cumbria, Christine Fisher and Kate O’Callaghan, were recognised as inspirational figures in the cycling community in the annual 100 Women in Cycling list, published by Cycling UK.

Christine Fisher, a passionate advocate for inclusive cycling from Kendal, and mountain biker and ambassador for Wonderful Wild Women, Kate O’Callaghan of Holme, both received significant commendation for promoting other women to engage in cycling.

The annual roll of honour, compiled by the cycling charity Cycling UK, applauds women whose actions stimulate others to cycle, helping make the otherwise male-dominated sport more inclusive.

The 2021 census indicates that despite there being more women than men in the UK, regular cycling figures veer heavily toward men.

It is the prime objective of Cycling UK to bridge this gap by celebrating inspiring figures.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to get around sustainably, keep fit and have fun outdoors and we want everyone to benefit from the joy of cycling.

"But in the UK, substantially fewer women ride than men. It’s our mission to reverse that and see equal levels of cycling across all genders."

Awards are given in four categories; community champion, industry mogul, cycle influencer, and sporting hero.

Christine Fisher, 63, is the driving force behind Wheels for All Kendal, an inclusive cycling programme for differently-abled children and adults.

She is also an active member of Kendal Cycle Club, securing support from the club for Wheels for All.

She said: "My work with Wheels for All has opened up a whole new world of helping to remove the barriers that can prevent others from accessing cycling. The enjoyment of seeing people ride again or for the first time regardless of age or ability is immense!”

As an ambassador of Wonderful Wild Women, Kate O’Callaghan, 40, promotes outdoor adventures for women.

She credits being able to ride in the hills as crucial to her recovery from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2016, and she helped to create a 36-hour relay challenge to raise money for cancer research.

Ms O'Callaghan is also an ambassador for Rider Resilience.

She said: “Mountain biking has seen me through some of the hardest times of my life: after losing my mother, a friend and I cycled 550km across Scotland off road to raise money.”

The prestigious list also includes figures such as Scotland’s first bicycle mayor Emily Williams, Paralympic tandem champion cyclist Aileen McGlynn OBE, and Exeter filmmaker Catherine Dunn.

Guest judge and digital editor of Cycling Weekly, Michelle Arthurs-Brennan, said: "Judging Cycling UK's 100 women in cycling has been a challenge - there were just so many incredible and inspiring nominees.

"It's been eye-opening to read the stories of so many wonderful characters, doing so much to drive the women's cycling community forwards, growing numbers and confidence levels across such a broad range of cycling styles, from sports enthusiasts to commuters, and those using bikes to cross cultural barriers and enact meaningful change.

"The future is bright, and riding a bike."

The full list can be viewed at https://www.cyclinguk.org/100women/2023.