Watford's Kate Jenkins named in Top 100 most influential women in cycling for 2022

Watford cycle hub
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor with Kate Jenkins, founder of Watford Cycle Hub

Cycling UK’s annual 100 Women in Cycling awards, a list now in its sixth year celebrating inspirational women who empower others to get in the saddle, now includes Watford’s very own Kate Jenkins...

The list celebrates inspirational women who are encouraging others to experience the joy of cycling, and Kate’s inclusion for 2022 was in recognition her work in making cycling more accessible for all in Watford.

She set up the not-for-profit Watford Cycle Hub 10 years ago, and since then, her team have trained thousands of kids and absolute beginner adults to ride, led thousands of guided rides and helped increase people’s confidence on the roads.

The Cycle Hub also reconditions donated bikes, recently working with a local charity to supply Road Safe bikes to disadvantaged children, and are part of Cycling Without Age with Watford Borough Council, which regularly offers free Trishaw rides to the elderly and the disabled.

Under Kate’s guidance, Watford Cycle Hub have gone from strength to strength over the last few years, with Watford Borough Council supporting a new custom designed cycling facility, to expand its core services to the community. The new building includes a community café and social space along with an improved repairs workshop space and a dedicated office.

To complement the new building, a learn-to-ride facility was also constructed by the council nearby at King George V Playing Fields, where the Cycle Hub team lead training sessions to help more children to travel by bike safely and confidently. It includes miniature roadways, traffic signs, markings and a model electric charging point, to help educate how to cycle on today’s roads.

Watford cycle hub

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor (middle), Kate Jenkins, founder of Watford Cycle Hub (end) and Holywell School opening the learn-to-ride facility at King George V Playing Fields

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The Cycle Hub, led by the brilliant Kate, do a great job in helping to promote cycling in our town with a range of courses, training and guided rides that help people to build their confidence and stay safe. As we move towards becoming a more sustainable, greener town, these services are invaluable. For everything Kate has done over the last 10 years for the community, I’m glad she got the nationwide recognition she deserves.”

Kate Jenkins, founder of Watford Cycle Hub, said: “Cycling has been a lifelong passion for me, and I’m so thankful to my colleagues and volunteers at the Cycle Hub, as without them I would have not been able to help as many people share the joy I’ve found in cycling. Most importantly, cycling is the answer to help the environment and save money on fuel. Cycle Hubs like ours can be that first step in helping people get on their bikes.”

For more information on upcoming courses, please visit watfordcyclehub.org.uk or britishcycling.org.uk.

Published: 28th November 2022

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