BROMSGROVE’S Jackie Fowler has been named as one of Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling for 2022.
The 100 Women in Cycling list was launched in 2017 and celebrates inspirational women who are encouraging others to experience the joy of cycling.
Fowler’s inclusion on the list recognises her work to improve equality and diversity in cycling and for significant achievements promoting women’s cycling.
And Fowler, affectionately known as ‘the punisher’, is the unofficial matriarch of the V-Sprint club based in Bromsgrove and always supports others to ride out of their comfort zone.
She has hosted Couch to 50km courses, which have encouraged new members, and earlier this year she was one of two women to cycle the Tour de France a week ahead of the pros, raising around £35k for charity.
The list celebrates the outstanding work of 100 women, whether that’s sporting or industry accolades, spreading the word as an influencer, or grassroots campaigning and support in the community.
This year’s list includes household names from sport such as Tour de France Femmes winner and Road World Champion Annemiek van Vleuten, para-cyclist pair Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl and 10-year old BMX champ Amelie Eaton.
And the list also shines a spotlight on other inspirational figures like climate activist Jessie Stevens, who was just 17 when she cycled from Dartmoor to Glasgow for COP26.
Cycling UK is drawing attention to the unsung heroes making a difference in their communities.
The 2022 list has a strong focus on community champions – ride leaders, club matriarchs, founders of cycling groups that promote diversity and inclusivity by enabling underrepresented communities, children, the elderly or disabled to use pedal power.
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “At a time when people in the UK are turning to cycling in numbers not seen since the 60s, it’s more important than ever to celebrate those who empower others, whether people want to cycle because it’s an affordable, sustainable and healthy transport option, or because it’s simply fun.
“Representation makes a huge difference, and improving the visibility of women’s cycling means more women are likely to feel it is also for them.
“This is what makes the work our 100 Women in Cycling do so important – whether it’s winning races, supporting their community, or telling stories about the adventures and challenges faced by other inspiring women.”
Cycling Minister Jesse Norman, at the Department for Transport, added: “It’s fantastic to see so many inspirational women encouraging others to cycle.
“Some are cycling because it’s so healthy, some because it’s quick and easy, some to protect the environment. Whatever the reason, they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.
“These women are leading the way in their communities, and we will continue to support them, having invested over £600m since the start of the pandemic in better infrastructure including Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival.”
To view the full 100 Women in Cycling list, visit: www.cyclinguk.org/100women/2022
For more info about the list, visit: www.cyclinguk.org/100women
