The women who are cycling for a greener city

Name: Kelly Anna

Location: London

Current commuting bike: Custom made 14 bike co! Built by Ted James

Favourite commuting kit: a good backpack so I can always carry a laptop and sketch books (North Face). Normally trousers and good pair of socks to tuck my trousers into. Trendy!

Why do you pick cycling as your transport?: I think because, when I started I lived and worked in East London, and it was cheaper to ride and a good form of fitness... so lots of reasons. And I just enjoyed it. You get to know London a lot more because you learn the back streets. I think I enjoyed that the most.

What is the most useful cycling tip you have received?: Always if you can take your bike inside - because I've had some parts stolen in the past!

Why do you think it is important to get women cycling?: I think gives us more freedom and makes us more confident. I know when I started, as a feminist, you see it as more of a thing that guys do. When I started I was quite scared. My friend owned a bike shop and they pushed me to ride otherwise I don't think I would do it. I think it's because of confidence. I think it's really important for girls to be shown and build confidence so that they can do it. Girls have to think a lot more about their dress. Girls wear skirts, and I have a boys frame so I can't wear skirts and things like that, which you have to think about as girl.

What do you think is the biggest barrier to women cycling?: Dress. And being told they should buy the woman's frame, so they don't have to lift their leg up. I don't think thats the way. I think the dress code is a barrier.

Another thing, is if I got a flat tire I would get really worried. Because I wouldn't know how to fix it. You need to be able to do it, not just watch it being done.

Also safety for a girl. One thing I never did if it was too late. I would never cycle home as I was too scared. When finishing late I would not want to risk it.

Girls and their hair. No-one likes helmet hair. A lot of girls will spend money and hours doing their hair.

Your favourite environmentally friendly habit?: We are plant based - we recycle, we try to not purchase any leather and wear second hand clothing!