Meet the instructor – Nevin Sunderji

How old were you when you started cycling?

I was quite young, I think about 7 years old maybe. All I remember is being pushed and just peddling! But I know it was in a park because I grew up in Trinidad, so it was in a big Savannah space. 

What motivated you to become an instructor?

I was out riding with the Breeze Riders and also Hounslow Cycling campaign, and seeing how groups of cyclists can cycle together and on the road. 

I just thought, well, yes why not? Why not become a cycle instructor? And maybe I can encourage more women to cycle as well. I think that’s what motivates me. Just looking at how they used to organise their rides as well and have the Marshalls and I thought, oh, you can stop traffic. But of course, you can’t stop traffic [as a cycle instructor] the way they have the control. You know they can control everything. I just thought, oh that’s amazing. 

That helped me, as well as my friend saying to me that I like to correct people so yes, that’s what inspired me to become a cycle instructor! 

What’s the best part of the job?

Seeing the smiles of accomplishment on the riders, especially the older woman of a certain demographic who’ve been told in their culture, women don’t cycle. 

They’ve come a long way, accomplishing that, it’s just amazing to see the joy really. And also children who, you know, some are too scared to try anything. You know, they’re very molly coddled. And seeing them kind of get on their way on their bike. That’s amazing as well. 

Have you got a favourite cycling memory or experience?

I think last year riding London to Amsterdam with Cycle Sisters and Hounslow cycle campaign and Hammersmith and Fulham cycle campaign. I think that that was amazing because I never thought that I would be able to. It was cycling through three countries – France, Belgium and Netherland- over an eight day period.  Their cycling infrastructure was just so amazing. 

And also my first time riding in Beijing with 2 friends of mine. One of them was living over there … and  took advantage that she was in China. One of my friends wasn’t too confident cycling  and suggested we get on a tandem. I thought, I can’t ride a tandem!  We did it though, I piloted and it was so crazy, but it was so good, so funny. And the scenery was really cool! 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I do a lot of working out and I’m learning to swim. And I love dancing. I do that as well, [and] I go to the theatre quite a lot. 

Where is your favourite place in the world?

I would say country, probably Grenada in the Caribbean is my favourite place. And here [in London] I would say the South Bank. That’s my sanctuary. 

Grenada is very relaxed and the people are really, really friendly. Really cool.  

South Bank is my sanctuary, basically. I don’t mind just sitting and I come back just to ride along the river. You know, just chill out, looking at the world go by on the River Thames. I love it, love the vibe down there. 

Do you have any top tips for people who want to start cycling or cycle more?

I would just say do it, especially if you’ve got family or friends that do it, it’s just another way of getting around town without stress, I think. And the cycle infrastructure has improved a little. I mean, there’s still a lot more to do!  

We all learn at different paces, so don’t rush yourself. Take it at your own pace. You’ll get there. 

And for those that do cycle, my top tip is cover your brakes all the time [rest more than 1 finger over your brake levers without pressing down so you can react quickly if you need to brake] and a lot of looking around. And there’s no rush to be anywhere! 

Who’s your cycling hero?

I think Cycle Sisters. 

[They are] encouraging more women of that cultural background to cycle, I think that’s a huge inspiration. I’m now one of the ride leaders for Hounslow as well.  

And you know it’s just amazing to see because some of our sisters that have ridden with us are now doing bigger things. They’re doing like the Dunwich Dynamo. That’s over 100 miles and just pushing themselves. So yeah, very proud of them.  

And now Cycle Sisters are involved with triathlons as well. Now, you know, most of us are learning to swim. 

If you weren’t a cycle instructor, what would your dream job be?

I’ve always wanted to be a librarian so I can read to children, because I think I’m very good at expressing myself, putting on different accents and entertaining children.  

Are there any projects or things you’re doing that you’d like to tell us about?

Being involved with Cycle Sisters and just encouraging more women to go beyond their goals. That’s one of the projects I’m involved in. I’m [also] part of Black Unity Bike Ride as well, and TWR – Together We Ride collective, and Women of Colour Cycling Collective, so I just kind of have my foot in all the doors, just to encourage more people to cycle. 

It’s a matter of getting from A to B without the stress of driving. You know, saving money. We don’t all have to wear Lycra so you can cycle in whatever you wish to wear. But just being aware of that and just enjoy going places, meeting people and being adventurous!