I’ve been cycling for about 50 years, although opportunities to cycle were limited growing up in Hong Kong and London. I used my bike as transport as a teenager and after moving to Hull for university
As a teacher I always commuted by bike, even in the snow, carrying up to 60 exercise books in my panniers. The only time it didn’t go smoothly was the day I left my work shoes at home and nearly had to teach in my SPD cycling shoes – not a way to gain credibility with teenage girls!
Outside work, my then partner and I started touring extensively around Europe, usually on a tandem, and cycling became an increasingly important part of my life.
When my marriage ended, I wondered if I would continue cycling. Other than commuting, I’d always cycled with my husband. However, I did a sponsored cycle ride from Stirling to Newcastle and a solo cycle touring holiday in Germany. I guess I needed to prove to myself that I could cycle as an independent woman!
Working in active travel and environmental projects, I always commuted by bike. I met my new partner and took him seriously because he had more than one bike!
My daughter was born in 2012. As soon as she was big enough to sit in a bike seat I’d drop her off at nursery on my way to work. It has been incredibly rewarding watching her grow into an independent cyclist and discover the freedom that cycling can bring. After many years working on travel to school projects, I was really pleased when she cycled to primary school on her first day in 2017.
I usually cycled alone for leisure, enjoying the freedom, fresh air, and mental and physical health benefits. As someone who tends to overthink, cycling helps clear my mind. When a friend invited me to ride with her, I was initially hesitant, wondering whether I could keep up or if the route would suit me. However, I accepted her invitation, and we cycled together several times.
In 2019, my daughter’s school asked me to help with Bikeability. Alongside delivering levels 1 and 2, I spent time helping children learn to ride, so they could take part with their classmates. As a result, we had a high participation rate. I also worked with the school to seek funding for cycling projects. In 2024 my contribution towards cycling at the school was recognised by Active Stirling when I was awarded Parent Volunteer of the Year.
I trained as a Bikeability Instructor in 2022 and since then I have worked freelance for Recyke-a-Bike delivering Bikeability in Forth Valley. I also set up my own small cycling business and have been delivering one-to-one cycling lessons for the past three years.
I’ve taught over 30 children to ride, and now specialise in teaching children who are anxious or have additional support needs. I tailor lessons to the needs of each child, taking things at their pace. I love it. Nothing beats watching a child pedal for the first time. Nothing beats being my own boss either!
After years of cycling alone, I joined my first Breeze ride in 2021and found it friendly and welcoming. Encouraged by the Area Coordinator, I trained as a Breeze Champion, leading my first ride in September 2022. Nearly four years on, I’m still leading Breeze Rides in Stirling and have led over 50 rides.
My target audience is women who wouldn’t cycle if they didn’t have Breeze. It’s a real honour that they trust me to take them cycling. I also enjoy sharing advice on clothing, types of bikes and suggesting local traffic-free and quiet routes.
I’m currently a She Pedals Scotland Ambassador, supporting a campaign that aims to inspire as many women as possible to ride a bike during the She Pedals Scotland weekend on 19–21 June 2026. I’ve planned a couple of rides during the weekend, focusing on shorter rides and achievable goals for newer cyclists.
Last year, I organised a Breeze ride as part of the campaign. Unfortunately, heavy rain on the Saturday meant I had to cancel it – but that didn’t stop me getting out for a ride on my own!
This year, becoming an Ambassador has given me the opportunity to play a more active role in supporting and promoting the campaign. It’s a fantastic way to encourage more women to enjoy the benefits of cycling, whether that’s a short local ride or something more ambitious. For those who already cycle, it’s also a chance to be part of a wider movement celebrating women on bikes across Scotland.
I’m also a member of Stirling Council’s Cycle Stirling group and work with the council to develop and improve facilities, ensuring that the voice of cyclists is heard at all levels. My latest project is making videos for the Stirling Council website.
In the summer of 2023, I volunteered in my hometown of Stirling for the UCI World Cycling Championships. What an amazing experience and all within 1km of my front door.
Also in 2023, my contributions to the world of cycling led to me being recognised in Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling.
Family life and teaching cycling mean that I don’t get out on my bike as often as I’d like, but Breeze rides help. I also try to remember that when life gets too busy, often the thing I need to do most, is to put on my cycling shoes, grab a bike from the garage and just get out. It always does wonders for my head and I hope cycling will continue to be part of my life for many years to come.
Thank you, Philippa, for sharing your rich and varied cycling journey with us.
She Pedals Scotland takes place on 19–21 June. Women and girls are invited to take part by registering their commitment to riding their bike during the She Pedals Scotland weekend. You can complete this quick and easy registration form to show your support and join in.
If you would like to share your own cycling story in our monthly Scottish Cycling BlogHER feature, please email Melanie, our Women and Girls Development Manager, at [email protected].