UCL partners with Cycle Sisters to support Muslim women in cycling

UCL is excited to announce a new partnership with Cycle Sisters, an award-winning charity that's making cycling more accessible for Muslim women. Through this partnership UCL will provide bicycle storage for Cycle Sisters on our UCL East campus, supporting their inspiring mission to empower women and break down barriers to cycling.

Founded in 2016 by Sarah Javaid, Cycle Sisters began as a small community initiative in Waltham Forest and has since grown into a network of groups that supports hundreds of women. The charity is committed to ensuring Muslim women can cycle confidentally, without compromising their cultural or religious values. Through volunteer-led cycling groups, Cycle Sisters has succfessfully addressed barriers such as lack of confidence, safety concerns, financial constraints, and cultural stigma.

The partnership with UCL will officially kick off on 6 April, when the first Cycle Sisters ride from UCL will take place. This marks a fantastic opportunity for Muslim women in the local community or at UCL, whether staff or students, to join a welcoming, supportive cycling community. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or new to riding, as long as you can pedal, balance and steer, you are welcome to join!

Cycle Sisters’ Newham group runs rides on Sunday mornings, meeting at 9:15am for a 9:30am start, with rides generally finishing around 12pm. The rides take a gentle, sociable pace with a café stop to enjoy tea, cake and conversation! A typical cycle will be between 6-20 miles, to local spots like Victoria Park, Wanstead Park, and Walthamstow Wetlands. From the 6 April, Cycle Sisters’ Newham group rides will begin at Viewtube on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park or UCL East's Pool Street building. For those without bikes, a limited number of free bikes will be available to borrow, thanks to Viewtube and Newham Council.

The Newham group was established with the support of London Sport, Newham Council, and Sustrans, ensuring that all women, regardless of their background, can enjoy cycling in an inclusive environment.

“Sarah Javaid, CEO of Cycle Sisters said, “We are thrilled to be working with UCL as our new partner for our Cycle Sisters Newham group. This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to work together to break down the barriers to cycling for women. The start of our collaboration coincides with the start of Ramadan and International Women's Day which make our partnership even more meaningful to empower Muslim women and ALL women together!

For those interested in joining, booking is essential. Sign up by emailing newham@cyclesisters.org.uk

Participants can also request to be added to the group’s WhatsApp community for ride updates and details.