Cis cyclists decline award because trans women were excluded...

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Cis cyclists decline award because trans women were excluded: We "ride with all women"

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/11/cis-cyclists-decline-award-because-trans-women-were-excluded-we-ride-with-all-women/ 🔗

John Russell (19 Nov 2025)

Multiple cisgender women have turned down spots on a list of the top female cyclists in the U.K. because the organization compiling the list banned trans women.

"If they don't want to ride with all women, then it's not the kind of ride I want to be part of," Claire Sharpe told the BBC of Cycling U.K.

According to the outlet, the cycling charity's 2025 100 Women in Cycling list is its first in nine years to exclude transgender women. The decision reportedly came in response to the U.K. Supreme Court's ruling earlier this year that the legal definition of a woman under the country's 2010 Equality Act is based on "biological sex."

"For our awards to comply with the law we have to limit who can be considered for an award to biological women only," Cycling U.K. chief executive Sarah Mitchell told the BBC. "This change to the awards doesn't alter our strong commitment to including and supporting all those who cycle, including transgender and non-binary people. We truly believe cycling is for all, and we'll keep working towards that goal."

But Sharpe, a cycling guide and coach from Bristol, said that excluding trans women flies in the face of the list's intent.

"[The list] was originally set up to celebrate women who inspire, encourage and empower people to experience the joy of cycling," she said. "By excluding trans and non-binary people, it's just not doing what I think it was set up to do. It excludes people that have helped create the community that I was nominated for."

[Charlotte_Ringwood]

It's heartwarming to know that there are intelligent,  kind hearted people out there that are willing to be active allies to our community. In a time where voices of hate try to overpower everything, these actions are so powerful in readressing the balance towards what's right and decent.

I really believe that good people outweigh the bad, but unfortunately evil is often loud and persistent. Many of those in power and influence seem to want division and happily push that narrative. But acts like this are how allies fight back in the strongest way. I can't thank these women enough.

Charlotte 😻

[Lori Dee ✅]

But acts like this are how allies fight back in the strongest way. I can't thank these women enough.

Well said, Charlotte. I agree 100%.