'Fat Lad At The Back' co-founder Lynn Bye from Ilkley is among a list of 100 women from across the UK recognised for their work encouraging other women to get on their bikes.
National charity Cycling UK puts together the annual list to recognise women from all corners of the cycling world who have had a positive impact by inspiring others to cycle and thus helping make cycling a more inclusive space.
Despite the 2021 census showing there are more women than men in the UK, men are much more likely to cycle regularly than women. Cycling UK wants to show through its annual celebration of these inspiring individuals that cycling can be for everyone – no matter your gender, background or ability.
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to get around sustainably, keep fit and have fun outdoors and we want everyone to benefit from the joy of cycling. But in the UK, substantially fewer women ride than men. It’s our mission to reverse that and see equal levels of cycling across all genders.
“A great way to encourage more women to cycle is to share the stories of these amazing women – whether they’re chronicling their adventures on social media, advocating for better infrastructure in their neighbourhoods, inspiring their communities to join them for a ride or winning medals around the world.
“Choosing the top one hundred winners involves some really tough choices – there are so many brilliant women out there who we’d want to celebrate.”
Recognition is given for a wide range of achievements that have helped inspire more women from diverse backgrounds to get on a bike. They are given in four categories: community champion, industry mogul, cycle influencer and sporting hero.
56 year old Lynn Bye from Ilkley describes herself as ‘not much of a cyclist’ so being co-founder for size-inclusive cycle kit brand Fat Lad at the Back might seem like an odd occupation. However Lynn’s lack of preconceptions about the sport enabled her to create a unique space within the industry, pioneering inclusivity and leading cycling into a more inclusive, accepting place. Fat Lad at the Back’s positivity, fun messaging and investment in community have resulted in unprecedented success at empowering people of all shapes and sizes onto bikes.
Lynn said: “It’s a privilege to be part of so many inspiring stories and to make such a difference to so many people’s lives.”
Fat Lad At The Back was the nickname given to Lynn's co-founder Richard by his cycling mates. The business grew from the realisation that cycling gear wasn't made for men of Richard's size and he was constantly uncomfortable or inappropriately dressed on his bike. The brand was set up aiming to make premium and stylist cycle wear for everybody, no matter their size.
Find out more at fatladattheback.com