“An inclusive space”: New Women’s Cycle Club Launches in Leeds

Founder, Scarlet Howard, has said she is aiming to bring the shift of women-inclusive sports to cycling, after finding many women don’t have a space to go out with others.

“I think by making it a women’s-only space, and making it inclusive to all women including trans-women and also non-binary people who think this group resonates with them, it allows women to fully express themselves in a sport they may feel intimidated by”

Girls Ride Leeds is advertised as a pace inclusive, female-led, no drop cycling club. In cycling etiquette, “no drop” means a group of cyclists will stay together if one person stops.

Safety is a defining factor of the group: their policies state everyone must wear a helmet and have bike lights. There will be briefings every ride, teaching hand gestures and deciding group order, “People’s comfort is my priority”, Howard said.

A 2024 study published by The Telegraph found that 9 in 10 women don’t feel safe to cycle in towns and cities. 

After getting into cycling through a spin class at her local gym, Howard said that she slowly fell in love with the sport. Speaking to girls who are nervous about getting out on their bikes she said, “coming along to a social ride is the best opportunity you can take, to see if you enjoy cycling or not and there is no pressure to enjoy it”.

The club is holding their first ride on Sunday 8 November, starting from Hyde Park Book Club, the circular route is 35-40km north-west out of Leeds with regular stops, rest breaks, and coffee at the end.

Words by Millie Pitman-Smith