Cycle champion Suzie hits the top 100
A COUNCILLOR has been included in a charity’s top 100 women in cycling list.
Suzie Akers-Smith, Cheshire East Council’s walking and cycling champion, was named in charity Cycling UK’s top 100 list for her work in promoting cycling across the borough including in Macclesfield.
The Independent councillor for Congleton West helped introduce active travel routes and hopes to see Cheshire East’s first protected cycle route, along the old A34 Manchester Road, between Wilmslow and Handforth, delivered later this year.
She is also hoping to promote the use of recumbent cycles, which are suited to people with a disability as well as a ‘20s Plenty’ campaign to reduce drivers’ speed in built-up areas.
Cllr Akers-Smith said: “It’s a great honour to have been chosen. I am passionate about cycling and I want to encourage more women to cycle.
“This endorses the main thrust of my work - changing the mindset of motorists as well as cyclists, and those women who are reluctant to take up cycling. People want to feel safe. They don’t want to be intimidated by passing vehicles. If we can make cycling attractive to children and get more women into cycling, then
I think that’s the way to go.
“It’s a massive barrier for women. Most towns in Cheshire East are quite small and you can get on a bike and tootle across town in minutes, reducing your journey time and helping to get cars off the road.”
The top 100 list, put together by Cycling UK and bike makers Raleigh every year, also includes Cheshire East-based Olympian Laura Kenny.
It also includes mums who cycle with their children to and from school, community leaders, mountain and endurance cyclists and women who cycle to and from work.
Council leader Cllr Sam Corcoran (Labour) – himself a keen cyclist – said: “I congratulate Suzie on being selected to be one of this year’s 100 women cyclists, chosen by Cycling UK.
“This doesn’t just recognise the hard work she has done for this council but for everyone across the borough to promote cycling as a safe, clean and convenient way to travel.”