Samra Said: Building Sisterhood, Shifting Perceptions and Riding for Freedom

When you meet Samra Said, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Cycle Sisters, you instantly feel the warmth she brings to any conversation. She’s thoughtful and grounded, with a deep belief that cycling can open doors for women who might never have imagined it as part of their lives.

Cycle Sisters began in East London as a small local initiative, offering Muslim women a chance to ride together in a safe and welcoming environment. Today, it’s a nationwide network with groups across the UK, and a movement that’s redefining who gets to be seen in cycling.

In this conversation with Miles, Samra reflects on community, representation, and the quiet power of women lifting each other up through the simple act of riding a bike.

Finding the spark

Miles: For anyone who doesn’t know Cycle Sisters, how did it all begin?

Samra: It started with a handful of women in Waltham Forest who wanted to get out on bikes together. There were so many barriers stopping Muslim women from riding — from confidence and kit, to cultural expectations and visibility. But when women saw other women like them cycling, it changed everything.

It was about creating that safe, welcoming space where they could say, “Actually, I belong here too.”

Miles: And that small group has grown into something much bigger.

Samra: Yes, we now have 13 local groups across the country. Every one is led by volunteer ride leaders from the community. It’s women supporting women. The friendships and confidence that grow from that are incredible. For so many of our riders, cycling has become more than just a hobby. It’s freedom, fitness, and faith all rolled into one.

Representation and the ripple effect

Miles: You’ve spoken before about how representation in cycling really matters. What does that look like to you?

Samra: It’s about visibility. When you see a woman in a hijab riding to work or out with her friends, it challenges the stereotypes of what a cyclist looks like. It sends a message that this space is for everyone.

There’s something so powerful about that moment of recognition. A young girl might see it and think, “I can do that.” For us, every ride has that ripple effect.

Miles: I love that idea of small acts adding up to something much bigger.

Samra: Exactly. It’s not about one big campaign. It’s about hundreds of women doing small, everyday things — showing up, riding to the park, to school, to work. Bit by bit, it shifts perceptions.

Creating space to belong

Miles: What do you think makes Cycle Sisters such a strong community?

Samra: I think it’s the sisterhood. We all come from different backgrounds and levels of experience, but the moment you put on your helmet and start pedalling, you’re part of something.

Our rides are relaxed, friendly, and social. No one gets left behind. It’s not about performance or competition, it’s about joy and togetherness. And I think that’s why it’s worked.

Miles: That sense of belonging sounds like it’s at the heart of everything you do.

Samra: Yes, and not just belonging in the group — belonging in the wider world of cycling. When women ride together, they start to take up more space in public life too. They feel seen. And when you feel seen, you start to believe you can do more.

Faith, culture and the bike

Miles: How does faith play a part in this story for you and the community?

Samra: For many Muslim women, faith shapes how we approach sport and community. We see cycling as something that connects us to the world around us — it’s a way to care for our bodies, our environment, and each other.

Cycle Sisters was built with that in mind. It’s an inclusive space that honours faith while being open to everyone. Our values are universal: kindness, connection, and confidence.

Miles: It’s such a beautiful intersection — faith and freedom coming together through cycling.

Samra: Yes, and it’s something we’re really proud of. When women ride with us, they often tell us it’s the first time they’ve felt fully themselves in a sport. That’s powerful.

The journey ahead

Miles: What’s next for Cycle Sisters?

Samra: We’re continuing to grow our network and support new groups. But more than that, we’re looking at how to make long-term change in the cycling world. That means working with partners, local councils, and other organisations to make cycling genuinely inclusive from the ground up.

We want to see more diverse leadership in cycling, more cultural understanding, and more opportunities for women who’ve historically been left out. It’s about changing the system, not just fitting into it.

Miles: And what keeps you motivated?

Samra: Every time I see a woman smiling on her bike. Honestly, it never gets old. The joy is infectious.

A culture of connection

As we wrap up, Samra reflects on what cycling means to her now. “It’s freedom,” she says. “It’s sisterhood. It’s the feeling of wind in your face and knowing you belong.”

Cycle Sisters has become a movement powered by compassion and visibility. And through Samra’s leadership and vision, it’s a reminder that cycling’s real beauty lies in the connections it creates — between people, places, and possibilities.

Listen to the full episode of Cycling Culture Club featuring Samra Said by visiting our podcast page