Breeze Champion Sarah Murray is pedalling a cycling revolution for women in North Wales

Creating a space for women to thrive

As a volunteer Breeze Champion with Beicio Cymru, Sarah began leading rides for women in the local area. These rides became more than just exercise - they became a community.

Breeze is a British cycling scheme offering free, fun bike rides for women. In Wales, it has been running for 10 years and continues to grow, helping women get active and enjoy cycling in a supportive environment. In 2023, Breeze was the most successful women’s cycling participation programme in Wales.

How has Breeze been a success:

• 85 Breeze Champions across Wales have led 817 rides since April, averaging around 200 rides per month.
• Female ride leaders make up 56% of all leaders which is higher than the number of female coaches which make up 25% of the workforce at Beicio Cymru

Ffion James, Development Manager South Wales, Beicio Cymru said, ‘’Sarah is an incredibly positive and inspirational role model for women's cycling. Her enthusiasm and contagious smile immediately make you want to jump on a bike when you speak to her! She truly embodies the spirit of the Breeze programme and has inspired and supported so many women to ride through her work. We are grateful to have passionate volunteers such as Sarah in Wales.’’

Women were not just riding bikes - they were making new friends, learning new skills, and beginning to believe in themselves. 

But Sarah wasn’t done yet. 

The birth of Roadeeze – thanks to the Lottery

As Sarah’s love for cycling grew, so did her ambition to do more. Sarah wanted to share the thrill of road racing and time trials with other women. To do that, she needed to introduce them to the sport in a safe and comfortable way for them.  

With help from her local club, Clwb Beicio Egni Eryri, and funding from the National Lottery through Sport Wales, Sarah launched Roadeeze: a summer programme of women-only cycling sessions on Trac Môn car racing circuit.

Thanks to the National Lottery, that vision has now shifted into high gear. 

This is Sarah’s second year delivering Roadeeze, and participants are even beginning to enter races, showing the programme provides a real pathway from beginner to racing.

What is Roadeeze?

Every Wednesday night through the summer, the roar of car engines at Trac Môn is replaced by the pedalling of bikes and the laughter of women. Roadeeze offers women of all backgrounds a traffic-free, supportive space to:

• Master group rides and gear changes
• Try sprinting
• Build stamina
• Be with like-minded women
• Develop skills and confidence
• Have fun

More than a coach - a true role model 

Sarah doesn’t just coach women – she cares about them. She’s gone above and beyond in her own time to learn about women’s health. This includes:

• Understanding menstrual health and saddle comfort
• Supporting women going through the menopause
• Offering advice on nutrition and energy deficiency
• Bringing period products, snacks and cycling supplies on rides

Sarah also holds an impressive personal record. She set a new national 24-hour tandem cycling record with Brigid Night. She was named Values Champion Volunteer of the Year at British Cycling’s 2024 Awards, recognising her outstanding contribution to women’s cycling. 

She has made Roadeeze redefine what’s possible. It’s about community - making women in North Wales ride strong, feel brave, and discover what they’re capable of.

Why we need more Sarahs in Welsh sport

Sarah is one of many incredible women creating change in Welsh sport. But we need more like her. 

The stats tell a powerful story:

• Only 10% of women in Wales volunteer in sport, compared to 27% of men. (Wales Activity Tracker April 2025.)
• Volunteers contribute £430million of labour to sport in Wales every year. (Social Return on Investment Study of Sport in Wales 2021-22.)

Having more female role models like Sarah helps create welcoming spaces for girls in sport - and shows them they can take part, lead, and thrive.

If you’ve got an idea that could help more women and girls get active, the Be Active Wales Fund could help make it happen.