A local woman who helped start a cycling group says it has ‘opened up a whole new world’ to her and brought ‘sisterhood’ to all the members.

It is International Women’s Day this weekend (Saturday 8 March). To mark the occasion, Around Ealing met the Cycle Sisters Ealing group. It is the local branch of a London-wide cycling charity, founded by Sarah Javaid MBE in 2016. The charity empowers women, of all faiths and backgrounds, through cycling.

Marian Abdullah co-founded Cycle Sisters Ealing, and she, along with Sahar Badra and other ride leaders, guide group rides.

Sahar shared how the group continues to inspire women from all walks of life to take up cycling…

A whole new world

Marian and Sahar both took up cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic to get out and see London in a different light. Marian had enjoyed cycling as a teenager, while Sahar had never cycled before.

“Cycling with the Cycle Sisters is a journey,” Sahar told us. “First, you’ll find sisterhood, then confidence and finally empowerment.

“I’m originally from the Middle East and women don’t cycle; it’s just not ‘the done thing’. So, as an older Muslim woman in a scarf, I felt self-conscious. The Cycle Sisters changed that for me.”

Sahar explained how she got involved.

She said: “I was out in the borough, and I saw Marian – she was moderately dressed like me, but in cycle gear, and that’s when I knew I had to be part of this group.

“Since then, I joined the Cycle Sisters Ealing, and now I’m a bike lead like Marian. It’s opened up a whole new world for me.”

Breaking barriers for women

After initially joining the London-wide charity, Marian noticed that lots of the women were from west London. This inspired her to set up a new, local group dedicated to cycling in the borough. Ealing Council supports the group’s members by offering a free loan of a bike if people don’t have their own.

“We go on rides in the borough on the first and third Saturdays of the month and normally have about 6 to 8 women joining us from all faiths and backgrounds,” Marian said.

“Cycle Sisters is a sisterhood; it’s about meeting up in a safe environment with other women and seeing what’s possible when we ride together.

“In lots of cultures women don’t cycle, and many Muslim women, who need to be dressed moderately, can be put off by the traditional cycling attire. The Cycle Sisters show them that they can do it. Representation is key. We often get Muslim women stopping us in the street, because it’s unusual to see a big group of Muslim women cycling.

“And, now, we have women with us cycling in their Abaya, the traditional full-length robe. They just adjust it and get on their bikes.”

The group has helped lots of women to ride, from not knowing how to ride a bike, to being able to cycle 100 miles. All levels of experience are welcomed.

Help to improve cycling in the borough

The group has been keen to share its views on improvements its members would like to see in the borough, to make their rides safer and more enjoyable. You can share your views too, by taking part in the council’s online transport strategy survey. The survey closes on 30 March.

“We want to be part of the conversation to help make travel in the borough better for cyclists. Especially our women,” said Sahar.

The council continue to invest to make cycling safer and more convenient for its residents. Earlier this year the Cycle Network Plan, showing routes where the council will improve cycle lanes, was approved.
There are also plans for better quality cycle lanes on several major roads, including Park Royal Road in Acton and Boston Manor Road in Hanwell.

These schemes will be supported by the expansion of the council’s popular bike hangars, continued cycle training for school children and adults and the opportunity to rent cargo bikes.

See the world on your bike

“Being part of this group has opened my heart to cycling,” added Marian. “I just love it. Our next project is to travel outside the UK. In April we’re going to France, Belgium and Holland. And, who knows what’s next?

“If you’re reading this and wondering if you could get on your bike too, do it. We’re so friendly and we’ll help you see the world on your bike.”

For more information visit the Cycle Sister’s website.