York International Women’s Week

Did you know that most of our Board of Directors for Get Cycling are women? And that our CEO is a woman?

To celebrate York International Women’s Week we’re going to highlight a few of the feminine forces of nature that help keep us going!


Martha King

Martha King is on our Board of Directors.

Martha has 30 years experience in teaching Special Needs in mainstream and special schools and 3 years experience as a Project Development Officer with TalkBack, a charity working with people with learning disabilities.

Interesting fact: Martha and two friends aged 72, 72 and 61 have cycled over the past 13 years from Dover to Inverness on the route 1 cycle route. They started down the other side of the country now and have reached Oban. This May they are booked to cycle Glasgow to Carlisle via Ayre.

“I heard about Get Cycling from a former Director and friend of mine. She suggested I apply to be a Director too. It sounded a good idea to me and it is!” – Martha King


Anne McLaren

Anne McLaren is on our Board of Directors.

Anne is a retired GP, has written a book about her experiences raising a child with disabilities, and is now a proud grandmother. She is a member of a York Cycling Group and is a firm believer in inclusive cycling.

Interesting fact: Anne’s family have been using Get Cycling’s bikes for years with their disabled son. At first, she rode with him on a buddy bike to school every day. On a disability cycling trip to Munster for the World Peace Games, he learnt to ride independently on an adult tricycle.

When seen out and about, people enquire about the bikes- the family are a living advert for Get Cycling! Everyone belongs on a bike.” – Anne McLaren


Joanne Mahon

Joanne Mahon took over as CEO in 2021 and has been a force of encouragement, change and advocacy here at GCHQ.

Joanne started working for Get Cycling in York 5 years ago, following management and leadership positions in social justice organisations in London, Sydney, and Brisbane. She has a passion for cycling, community, and social inclusion.

“Getting people cycling, whoever you are, has always been important to me, I’m proud to be here and continuing the good work Get Cycling is doing.” – Joanne Mahon


Check out York International Women’s Week’s programme to keep up to date with all the events taking place this week!