as girls, women and non-binary people we felt our voices and needs were overlooked when it came to cycling in Derby, and we did not feel safe on our roads.
we worked together to change that.
what we did
campaign
Safe and accessible infrastructure is essential to get more girls, women and non-binary people cycling. We advocated for better cycling provision in Derby through innovative and engaging campaigns.
learn more
cycle
We ran sessions that helped to build knowledge and confidence riding on the roads. We also offered workshops to learn how to look after your cycle and fix punctures. All were free, fun, friendly and female led.
learn more
collaborate
We are stronger when we work together. We offered bespoke consultancy services and partnered with organisations and projects who shared our values and vision for a city where more girls, women and non-binary people cycle.
learn morespoke out got me cycling again for the first time as an adult. The workshops had an enormously positive effect, and my newly-nurtured cycling confidence is rippling outwards into other areas of my life.
Zoe
get involved
our team
We were proud to be the first and only women and non-binary led cycling organisation in Derby.
lucy
founder & director
she/her
I have cycled for as long as I can remember with my first proper bike being a boys’ Raleigh Raptor as girls can like dinosaurs too!
With so much focus on cycling because of the pandemic and the climate emergency, I am more passionate than ever about getting people cycling.
However working in cycling in Derby, I quickly noticed the important decisions are being made by men, for men. But we make up over half of the population and our needs and views count, so I decided to set up spoke out.
sarah
maintenance workshop volunteer
she/her
I got back into cycling about 10 years ago. I fell in love with the independence it gave me. These days I mainly cycle for running errands but also do the occasional longer ride, sometimes taking camping gear with me for a mini adventure.
I’m passionate about sustainability, wellbeing and empowering others to experience the freedom of getting around by bike. I really enjoy helping others learn how to take care of their bikes, so they can ride safely and confidently
kate
infrastructure expert & blog writing volunteer
she/her
I’ve been a cyclist for a good 35 years and still find getting on my bike one of the best ways to get about and one of the best ways to unwind- often both at the same time!
I’ve experienced cycling as a child, as an able-bodied, active adult and with friends, as a parent and childminder and now as a person with mobility impairments. I’ve also used a range of cycles and adaptations- including tandems and trailers.
My hope in joining spoke out was to support infrastructure changes to enable more people to cycle around Derby safely.
jo
steering group volunteer
she/her
I had loved cycling as a child and teenager. I returned to cycling as I grew increasingly frustrated with the expense and unreliability of public transport. I was nervous initially but my confidence grew after a short period of tutoring and I now love cycling! The feeling of experiencing the world in a more tangible way, and the sense of liberation and movement in my otherwise sedentary day, are a welcome relief.
I am keen to encourage people who have reservations about taking it up for the first time, or those who, like me, would like to return to it to get in the saddle.
eva
steering group volunteer
she/her
I absolutely love cycling! I used to cycle a lot as a child, but stopped when I got a bit older. I started cycling again about 8 years ago, when I moved to the UK. I mainly cycle to get to work or run errands, but I love going on long bike rides when the weather allows it.
Cycling is not just fun, it’s also an environmentally-friendly mean of transport and I would like to help others to feel more comfortable riding their bikes, whether it is on a cycling path or on the road, because it’s the first step for a more sustainable future.
jenny
steering group volunteer
she/her
I have always enjoyed cycling.
I ride to work, cycle with my kids and do some road cycling too.
I volunteered for spoke out to encourage cycling for all groups and to try to make our roads safer so our kids can enjoy cycling.
we were always learning and open to change
We wanted to create a safe and accessible space for everyone so we put together policies and procedures to make this happen but we were the first to admit that we’re not perfect. So if you have any constructive feedback, ideas or issues relating to spoke out then please do get in touch.
m