Bibiane Turner: The Real Yellow Jersey winner who found healing through cycling

Bibiane Turner, 70, from Preston, first decided to try cycling after her husband of 46 years passed away. She was at her lowest point during that time, experiencing loneliness, while trying to cope with her loss. “I’d lost my confidence and had real difficulty facing new situations,” she said.

After a few weeks, Bibiane’s daughter convinced her she should try cycling to help her cope while processing her grief. She encouraged Bibiane by joining her on rides together, riding her late dad’s bike. 

In the world of cycling, the yellow jersey is an iconic symbol of excellence. Traditionally worn by the leader of the Tour de France, it represents athletic dominance, endurance, and determination.  

But for Cycling UK, true cycling excellence goes beyond professional sport—it lives in communities, on everyday streets, and in people like Bibiane. The Real Yellow Jersey award, launched to mark 10 years of The Big Bike 
Revival, shines a spotlight on individuals using cycling to tackle some of society’s toughest challenges—from climate change and air pollution to mental health and social exclusion. 

On one of those very early rides together, Bibiane and her daughter came across a Dr Bike maintenance workshop in a local park, organised by Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival, working closely with Franc at Preston Pedals. 

That first session they stumbled upon was busy, but Bibiane decided she would join the next one to learn new skills. 

Franc was so patient and knowledgeable, he showed me how to check my bike and explained how important that was to do prior to a ride. He also showed me how to change an inner tube if I get a puncture – I would never have known how to do that!

Bibiane then joined Preston Pedals social rides after seeing them advertised on Facebook. “I was made to feel so welcome by the ride leader Joanne, she put me at ease straight away.” Joanne explained the route beforehand, and also chatted to Bibiane while riding alongside her during that first ride, which Bibiane found helpful. 

Joanne also helped Bibiane readjust her seat, which she’d noticed was too low and could make her knees uncomfortable.
 

Ultimately, through cycling with a group, Bibiane found a way to foster new connections and regain her confidence through learning new skills, which in turn has helped her come to terms with her grief and loss. 

I found chatting with the group was good for my mental wellbeing, interacting with other people, and it felt good that I’d tried something new. My confidence grew, I wasn’t as nervous about the traffic and stopped riding too near the pavement

Bibiane became so comfortable with cycling that she started cycling to work, instead of driving. She also began to do her shopping trips on the bike. 

I just loved the feeling of fresh air on my face and listening to the birds. I would never have thought of going shopping on my bike before, but now I combine a ride with a shopping trip. It’s fantastic!
 

Her stamina has also been greatly improved by regular cycling. She says hills no longer pose a problem like they did, and she rarely has to get off and push her bike up.

Since joining Preston Pedals, Bibiane has been given a new bike, which is lighter and has more gears, so it’s easier to ride, especially when tackling hills. 

Out of gratitude to the organisation, Bibiane has now donated both her old bike and her husband’s bike to them. She says: “Joining Preston Pedals has helped to get me through this sad time in my life through meeting new people, exercise, support and talking. I am a much happier person.”