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A teenager from Berkshire has received special recognition for her promotion of women’s cycling.
Eme Cosh, 14- who began mountain biking only last year- has been named one of Cycling UK’S 100 Women in Cycling.
The celebratory title- given to women across the country- acknowledges the work of those who inspired women to take part in the Cycling Women’s Festival of Cycling.
The sporting initiative which ran throughout July challenged female cyclists in the UK to persuade at least one more woman to start cycling in an attempt to address the gender imbalance of the sport.
Miss Cosh’s biking experience includes riding with several ladies mountain biking groups and membership of the Swinley Forest Development Team, based in Bracknell.
The young biker also uses her Instagram account to encourage aspiring female bikers to pursue the sport.
Head of Engagement for Cycling UK, Helen Cook said: “Congratulations to Eme for making it onto our 100 Women in Cycling for 2019.
“It’s an incredible achievement and testimony to the tireless work she’s done to raise the profile of women’s cycling.”
Individuals including Emma Pajarillaga have also been added to the list. Miss Pajarillaga returned to cycling just two and a half years ago and now runs the food distribution service Good Deeds from her bike.
Ms Cook added: “Every woman on our list is an incredible ambassador for women’s cycling, but sadly women remain underrepresented when it comes to everyday cycling.”
Miss Cosh received her award alongside the other winners at a Parliamentary reception in Westminster at the beginning of July.
The ceremony followed a ride to the House of Commons by more than 150 women to raise awareness of women’s cycling.
Leading the ride was one of the winners TV personality Angellica Bell, who only started riding as an adult after being inspired by her step-father, and a chance to appear on a TV cycling challenge to ride a stage of the Tour de France.
Ms Bell said: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if every female cyclist in this country persuaded just
one more woman to take up cycling. Imagine the difference that could make.
“Cycling is not only one of the most enjoyable ways of getting around, it’s great for your health, fitness and the environment.”
Eme’s achievement will also see her join names including Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and triple Olympic medallist, Victoria Pendleton on the list.
Broadcaster Rebecca Charlton, Eurosport presenter Orla Chennaoui, YouTube sensation, Ruby Issac, former road and track cyclists Dani Rowe and Joanna Rowsell, and cycling presenter, Laura Winter are also among those acknowledged by Cycling UK.
The charity’s recognition scheme draws its motivation from the estimation that only a million women in the UK (3% of the population) cycle regularly.
Equally, a recent poll carried out by YouGov on behalf of Cycling UK found that 36% of women said they would be more likely to take up cycling as a result of encouragement from friends and family.
To find out more about the Women’s Festival of Cycling and to see a full list of nominees, log on to www.cyclinguk.org/womens-festival-cycling.
