Sad news from the local cycling scene. Shirley Quemby, cycle ride leader and cycle campaigner, died peacefully in the early hours of Monday, 13 February 2023, at St Helier Hospital, aged 87.
For many years, Shirley energetically led cycle rides every Saturday from Nonsuch Park (and monthly from Beddington Park) for both beginners and those with advanced cycling skills. Shirley was also a magnificent ambassador for Down’s syndrome.
With her husband Colin, and fellow activist Chris Parry, Shirley was a leading light of Cyclism, the local group of Cycling UK (Cyclists’ Touring Group prior to April 2016) and the London Cycling Campaign (LCC). Shirley’s enthusiasm for promoting cycling continued following the relaunch of the LCC’s campaigning group as Get Sutton Cycling in January 2014. For more than twenty years (possibly even thirty), Shirley liaised with Sutton Council through the Sutton Cycle Forum. Her diligence with taking notes was legendary, as she endeavoured to keep council officers on their toes (and, better still, to get them on to their bikes)!
Shirley had a passion for cycling that will be hard to follow. There is no doubt that Shirley, and her passion, will be greatly missed by many in the wider cycling community. Our sincere condolences to Colin and the family.
5 March 2023
Get Sutton Cycling 