A KEEN cyclist has been named as one of the top 100 women to have encouraged others to get on their bikes.

Pam Nelson, from Colchester, joins Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, TV presenter Angellica Bell and triple Olympic medallist Victoria Pendleton in Cycling UK’s list.

The women have all been recognised in celebration of the work they have done to inspire other women to cycle as part of Cycling Women’s Festival of Cycling.

Pam was recognised for her tireless commitment to promoting sustainable transport in Colchester, especially cycling, over the past 20 years.

She has held various roles in the town including being part of the Business Improvement District team, travel plan co-ordinator at Colchester Council and co-ordinator at Cycle Colchester.

She has helped organise free Bikeability events at schools which aim to encourage more people to travel on two wheels more often.

Pam said: “I think I am just one of a number of people who have encouraged cycling.

“There are so many ways to get involved it has been easy for me to promote it.

“It was something I do socially and it’s my job.”

She said there are still barriers preventing people to get on their bikes.

She added: “People really struggle to get the infrastructure right and I can totally understand why mums and kids feel it’s too dangerous.

“With the travel plan club we offered Level 3 Bikeability training which is the highest level and everybody got something out of it.

“It’s about being confident and knowing you have a right to be on the road.”

More recently Pam has helped create a community-led travel plan for Winstree Road in Stanway where there are a number of schools.

She has also been battling with a long-term illness which has prevented her cycling.

She said: “I was treated successfully for breast cancer back in 2014 but it’s now back as secondary cancer in my hip and top of my spine.

“I’m having chemotherapy and have to wear the neck brace for a few months to protect the weakened vertebrae. Sadly it means I’m not allowed to ride my bike.”

The Cycle UK awards were presented at a Parliamentary reception in Westminster following a ride to the House of Commons by more than 150 women.

The ride was led by one of the 100 Women, TV personality Angellica Bell, who only started riding as an adult after being inspired by her step-father.

All the women were asked pledge they would recruit one woman to start cycling.

To find out more about the Women’s Festival of Cycling and to see a full list of nominees, visit www.cyclinguk.org/womens-festival-cycling.