Stirling Councillor Recognised as Influential Cycling Figure in 2024
Stirling councillor Rachel Nunn has recently been acknowledged as one of the UK’s top 100 women in cycling. Each year, Cycling UK showcases 100 outstanding women who advocate for cycling and inspire others to participate in the activity. Councillor Nunn, who founded Cycle Stirling, has been commended in the Cycle Influencer category for promoting everyday cycling as a standard practice. Her involvement with cycling dates back to her student days when she commuted 10 miles daily to university, eventually leading to a lifelong commitment to sustainable transportation. For Councillor Nunn and her family, bicycles have become an alternative to a second car, offering a practical and environmentally friendly means of getting around. Her dedication extended to establishing Cycle Stirling, a community project aimed at encouraging residents to adopt cycling as a regular mode of transport. Cycling UK stated, “As a councillor, Rachel utilises her knowledge, connections, and unwavering enthusiasm to eliminate obstacles and expedite the shift to active travel. From spearheading initiatives such as her local primary school’s Travel Plan – which resulted in securing 20 mph speed limits and Bikeability training – to achieving Stirling’s first Cycling Scotland Cycle Friendly Primary School, Rachel’s leadership continues to inspire transformative change.”
Councillor Nunn expressed, “In my efforts concerning climate change, my colleagues and I founded ‘Cycle Stirling,’ collaborating with other enthusiasts in our area to assist residents in embracing cycling so that it could become a norm for them, as it is for us.” Her accomplishment was celebrated by councillors from Stirling Council during a recent full council meeting. Cycling UK’s top 100 recognises inspirational women who lead by example in the cycling realm. The list features women from diverse backgrounds and various cycling sectors, including mountain bikers, endurance cyclists, community group leaders, cycling school-run mothers, and industry entrepreneurs. The 100 Women in Cycling roster celebrates women of all walks of life and at every cycling level who serve as sources of inspiration for others. This year’s list spans from Alice Kivuva, the founder of Africa’s first woman-owned cycling apparel brand, to Chella Quint OBE, an award-winning author, educator, and the founder of the Period Positive movement, encompassing grassroots campaigners, business leaders, and social media influencers.
Insights and Summary: Rachel Nunn’s recognition as one of the UK’s influential women in cycling underscores the importance of promoting sustainable forms of transportation and advocating for active travel initiatives within communities. Her leadership in establishing Cycle Stirling highlights the positive impact individuals can have in encouraging others to embrace cycling for everyday commuting and leisure. Councillor Nunn’s dedication to promoting cycling as a norm serves as a testament to the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in fostering a culture of sustainable transport and healthy living.