How cycling helped Liberty stop gambling

“I always wanted to learn how to ride,” Liberty said. “But with the kids and everything, you just don’t have time.”

It wasn’t until Liberty’s children went off to university that she finally got the chance. She heard about a free beginner cycling course, part of a Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival, through one of her local clubs.

“I went along, and we started with the basics. I’d never cycled before. Not at all. But I really wanted to learn.”

From those wobbly first lessons, Liberty began progressing. She moved from Stage 1 to Stage 2, under the helpful guidance of her instructor.

“Ann-Marie was amazing,” she says. “She was strict, but in a really good way. She taught everything perfectly. I wouldn’t have had the courage to go out on the road if it wasn’t for her. I was able to get to places more independently than before.”

A new world

With her confidence growing, Liberty started joining group rides around the city and fell in love with it.

“The led rides opened up a whole new world. The fresh air, the company, the exercise, it’s amazing. Now I cycle three times a week and feel like I have the most supportive community around me!”

But cycling didn’t just give her a new hobby. It helped Liberty turn away from something far more addictive.

“I used to gamble a lot,” she says. “Every day, in fact. But now I’ve got something else to focus on. Something positive.”

For Liberty, cycling wasn’t just a distraction. It was a release.

“It clears your head,” she said. “It gave me the same kind of feeling gambling did, but in a healthy way. You come back from a ride feeling like you’ve achieved something.”

Connection

Cycling also helped Liberty connect with her city in a way she never had before.

“There are so many beautiful places I’d never even seen. Harborne Walkway. Becketts Farm with the sunflowers. I’ve lived in Birmingham all my life and never knew they were there. It’s been absolutely amazing.”

While most rides were kept short and social (15 to 16 miles at most), Liberty had bigger goals.

“The furthest I’ve now done is 26 miles, but I really want to take on the Brighton 60-mile challenge one day. That’s my next goal. I’d love to do even more. Like a cycling holiday in the mountains, maybe Italy, or even Pakistan. I’ve heard the routes there are incredible.”

A sense of purpose

For Liberty, cycling is now part of her everyday life, giving her structure, friendships and a sense of purpose.

“When you’re out riding for a couple of hours, you chat, you catch up. It’s great for your mental health and your fitness. You’ve got a challenge, a goal. Something that’s yours.”

But it hasn’t all been smooth riding. Road safety is a real concern.

“Drivers don’t always see us. Sometimes they rev behind, or open car doors right in front of you. Even in a group, we’ve had near misses. It’s scary, but it’s made me a more aware driver too.”

“If I can learn to cycle in my 40s, after everything, anyone can. I feel stronger, happier and more in control. And I absolutely love it.”