MEMBER STORY: Ruth Mayorcas nominated for Cycle UK’s 100 Women in Cycling 2021
Long-standing member of The Hogarth, Ruth Mayorcas was nominated for Cycling UK’s 2021 100 Women in Cycling, alongside Olympic gold medallists Katie Archibald MBE and Elinor Barker MBE as well as other cycle industry moguls and community champions. Ruth has been described as “an irrepressible, persuasive and knowledgeable champion of normal, everyday cycling for all.”
Ruth’s passion for cycling began when she moved to Amsterdam when she was 23 in 1976, and has since continued cycling everywhere she goes as well as on long distanced cycle excursions. Ruth - now 68, describes cycling in the Netherlands as “such a normal activity” and says the highest demographic of cyclists are women over 65!
Ruth is passionate about introducing this culture to where she lives now in West London as well as encouraging and normalising more women to cycle.
Ruth believes “to enable this, we should have safer spaces to cycle and promote it as an everyday activity. Surrounding yourself with others who are likeminded I’ve found is also very encouraging. I think influencing more women to cycle is important as it can be liberating, safer and more practical for us. It is safer to travel alone at night on a bike than on foot as well as being able to carry more and further!"
When we asked Ruth how she maintains her strong cycling regime, she says “it is the camaraderie which has motivated me to go further and further, I also just think that so much can be achieved by bike in so short a time. Even when I had a car, I didn’t use it locally and cycled to the shops, school run, gym and socialising. During lockdown, cycling really came into its own as everyone could get anywhere safely plus being outside in the fresh air works wonders for mental well-being.
It’s the sense of liberation that I absolutely love, it is such a great way to get about and I really enjoy sharing my love of cycling with as many people as possible - especially women who may feel it is not for them or feel unsafe.
I always hope that being seen at the age I am using a bike for shopping, socialising and holidays, other women will feel empowered to do likewise!"
When we asked Ruth about the potential obstacles for cycling, she says “the only obstacle is safety from cycling alongside lorries or fast cars. Also, there are plenty of options for disabled people, check out www.wheelsforwellbeing.org. Shopping is possible with the right bag and panniers and there are many bikes which can be used for families when transporting the kids!”
Ruth’s son, Jack says:
"I can think of no better role model for what cycling could and should be for most people. Since I can remember, my mum has been a passionate advocate for cycling for all. Not seeing it as a sport, or as something you need to prepare for, but just as a healthy and practical mode of transport.
"Her work as a campaigner speaks for itself, whether it’s lobbying politicians at all levels, or organising events for construction workers to see the pinch points along cycle routes, her dedication and clarity of voice has made an impact on the cycling landscape in London for many years.”
Ruth, we applaud you on your consistency and advocacy when it comes to keeping fit and sustainable living! Two very important matters that The Hogarth strongly supports.
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