Meet Charlotte

"When we were locked in our homes, my once-a-day exercise outdoors was on my bike and it definitely kept me sane. It was really the only exercise I did because I’m not into yoga and Keep Fit and all that sort of stuff. I would love to be a runner and I have tried really hard, but I just don’t enjoy it. Whereas it was wonderful for my mental health to be able to cycle for an hour, see new places, sights and people. I thought, 'If it's helping me this much, surely I can start helping others?’ So I put a message on my neighbours' local WhatsApp group saying, ‘If anyone wants to come cycling with me, I’d be really, really happy to take you’, and 3 women started coming with me. I actually taught one of them how to cycle - she borrowed my daughter's bike.

"I’ve got a friend who lives in Harrow and she’s doing a similar thing for Muslim women. I think it’s one of those things that stretches across all ethnicities, religions. It just boosts people's confidence and it's good for morale. When I started 7 years ago, I was a bit scared on the road so I joined Barnet Cycling Club because they did led rides. I wanted to do this for other women particularly, because women give themselves so many barriers. They think they’re not wearing the right thing, or not the right weight, or not good enough. But once they can overcome these obstacles and ride a bike on the road with confidence, it can help them in other parts of their lives, just like it did me. Cycling has already transformed my life. It builds confidence, self-esteem and independence, as well as helping you get fit, get fresh air, reduce pollution and help the environment. I've just helped another friend with starting up the Barnet London Cycling Campaign Buddy Scheme. I’d love all women to ride a bike but it will take a bit of time to get there."