Despite threats from anti-LTN campaigners, an all-women’s cycling group had a successful ride from Tooting Bec to Stoke Newington last Saturday 6 November.
JoyRiders’ 20-mile ride faced threats of protest from angry motorists online.
One group branded organiser Jo Rigby “a cycle fascist” and another suggested they organise to wait for the group.
Critics had argued that Rigby was “poking her nose into the disruption of residents and businesses in Stoke Newington.” However, she explained that “Hackney is safe for cyclists, and by coming here we’re supporting businesses that are cycle-friendly.”
Supporters had offered an escort in case of any trouble, but the eight women’s tour went ahead without interruption.
Rigby, who is also a Labour councillor for Wandsworth, told the Hackney Post: “JoyRiders is there to give confidence to women because people always see cyclists as men – white men. We want to give every woman the confidence to explore.”
Rigby organised the route on behalf of Kamar Omar, a teaching assistant who shares her enthusiasm for cycling on TikTok and Twitter. She started in lockdown after her brother gave her a Brompton folding bike and said: “It’s nice to explore in a different way rather than cars or buses.”
What an amazing day! I met up with @Jo_Earlsfield and a group of lovely ladies. We cycled 26miles. This is the longest ride I've ever done. I am so proud of myself.
Cycled from Tooting Bec to Stoke Newington.#cycling #lovecycling @JoyRidersUK @C_ford_1 @mirelard pic.twitter.com/wqb9jen5rG
— Miss Omar (@Auntiekay28) November 6, 2021
Usually just cycling to work and back, JoyRiders has helped Omar venture further. The group found the ride easier north of the river thanks to better cycling infrastructure – Rigby explained how “only four per cent of Wandsworth’s roads are painted for cyclists.”
According to Council statistics, Stoke Newington Church Street has seen its traffic halved since the LTN was introduced on 20 September. The report also understands that the number of pedestrians and cyclists now doubles the number of vehicles.
