Devon women named in Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling

Two women from Devon have been named in Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling. Judith Smith and Ruby Davison were included for their work encouraging women to cycle.

They join TV and film actress Maxine Peake, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Melanie Abbott and gold medal winners Katie Archibald and Elinor Barker in the cycling charity’s list recognising significant achievements in promoting women’s cycling.

The women have all been recognised in celebration of the amazing work they have done to inspire other women to cycle, as part of Cycling UK’s Women’s Festival of Cycling which runs between 17 July and 1 August.

The list also includes less well-known names of women who have been working tirelessly at grassroots level during particularly difficult times to encourage and support more women to ride: people such as Judith and Ruby.

Judith Smith, 46, has been recognised for her work as chief operating officer of Primal Europe. Involved in cycling since 2007, she launched a cycling team with her partner and managed it until 2015. In 2011 she took over the European operations of Primal Europe. From her home in Plymouth, she built the business from scratch, managing every aspect of the operation.

At only 15, Ruby Davison from Exeter is the founder of the Dirt Sisters of Shred. The group aims to connect and support young girls in the mountain biking scene. Ruby is also the face behind Ruby’s Big Bike Challenge. Born out of a charity cycle ride where Ruby rode 100 miles, she opened up the challenge to other young women to inspire young riders from all over the UK to challenge themselves and raise money for charity.

To launch its annual Women’s Festival of Cycling, Cycling UK has also released figures showing that more women have taken up cycling during the coronavirus pandemic. A survey found that 31% of women surveyed switched from a car to a cycle for everyday journeys, and those who cycled regularly reported improvements to their wellbeing.

Although the number of women cycling increased during lockdown, men are still cycling nearly twice as much as women. 

Cycling UK is encouraging women to stick to the pedals and continue to replace their car journeys with cycling, and is highlighting women who are inspiring, teaching and encouraging others to do so.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK chief executive, said: “Congratulations to Judith and Ruby for making it into our 100 Women in Cycling in 2021. It’s an incredible achievement and testimony to the tireless work they’ve done to raise the profile of women’s cycling.

“Every woman on our list is a powerful ambassador for women’s cycling, and many have done outstanding work supporting women to cycle during lockdown. But sadly, women remain underrepresented when it comes to everyday cycling.

“During this year’s festival we’re asking every woman who already cycles to find just one more woman they can help and inspire to get on their bike.”

The Women’s Festival of Cycling features a range of virtual events, local group rides and a social media challenge asking women to share pictures of their ‘bicycle face’.

Find out about events in your area and to see a full list of nominees, visit our website: cyclinguk.org/womensfestival