TWO women from Worcester have been named in the UK’s 100 most inspirational women in cycling for 2023.

Katie Collier, from Warndon, and Georgina Tucker, from Powick. were recognised for their work encouraging other women to get on their bikes.

Each year Cycling UK recognises women from all corners of the cycling world who have had a positive impact by inspiring others to cycle and helping make cycling a more inclusive space.

Community campaigner and active travel champion Mrs Collier, 38, only picked up cycling in lockdown. 

She said: “Cycling has completely changed how I connect with my local area, and that's why I'm so passionate about encouraging other 'normal', non-sporty people like me to cycle, and it’s what drives me to run events like a weekly Bike Bus and women's confidence events.”

Cycle Sistas founder Georgina Tucker, 42, only recently started cycling as well.

She had not been on a bike since her early teens when she signed up to a 25-mile cycle event in 2019.

After that, she was hooked and immediately set about bringing the joys of cycling to others.

She set up the Cycle Sistas group in Worcester, organising a range of women’s cycle rides.

Her positive outlook, support and passionate enthusiasm for cycling has encouraged women of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling together.

Mrs Tucker said: “The cycling community is so welcoming and inclusive; I would encourage everyone to get out on a local ride - who knows where cycling might take you!”

 This year, Cycling UK’s panel was joined by two guest judges, Michelle Arthurs-Brennan, digital editor of Cycling Weekly, and Hannah Dobson, managing editor of Singletrack World.

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.

"This is 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."