Becky’s story: A sense of identity beyond her home life

In the world of professional cycling, the yellow jersey is reserved for elite athletes. But for Cycling UK, the real champions aren’t on the podium: they’re in our neighbourhoods, riding through our streets.

For most people, cycling isn’t about competition; it’s about connection. That’s why Cycling UK’s Real Yellow Jersey campaign was created: to recognise and celebrate the everyday champions like Becky.

Becky was looking for a fulfilling hobby that could offer time for herself. Having a daughter with Down’s syndrome means that daily life is often complex and tiring. Constant supervision, communication difficulties and all-round support take a physical and emotional toll on parents and carers.

She first discovered Seacroft Cycles, a grassroots active travel hub and partner for Cycling UK’s The Big Bike Revival, after spotting a post on Facebook.

Offering open-access drop-in sessions to a range of cycling activities such as communal workshop events, coffee mornings and learn-to-ride events, with a relaxed ‘just come along’ approach, the project provided the ideal welcoming environment.

From making tea to repairing bikes

Having initially turned up assuming she would just be making the tea, Becky quickly began helping with basic bike repairs alongside experienced staff in Mark and Clarrie.

Her enthusiasm and natural aptitude for mechanics saw her progress to structured training, successfully completing a two-day bike mechanic course.

Now attending regularly twice a week, Becky contributes directly to refurbishing bikes for the community while building practical skills and confidence. For Becky, the hands-on routine offers a vital mental break, and a sense of personal identity beyond her home life.

“It’s nice to come and do something completely separate,” she says.

Her energy and dedication have made a lasting impression on the team. Clarrie, a project leader at Seacroft Cycles, highlights the transformative impact Becky brings to the space: “Becky is just amazing. She’s like a little ray of sunshine. She’s a pocket rocket, she just comes in, and she brings such a huge amount of energy with her. We helped her become a mechanic, and she just took to it so well. As soon as we’re getting the money together, we’ll get her through a Level 2 mechanics’ course.”

Forming social connections

Beyond learning to fix bikes, Becky enjoys the social connections she has formed at the workshop, engaging with a wide mix of others in her local neighbourhood, including many people who don’t see themselves as ‘traditional cyclists’.

It’s something that no one ever notices you’re doing. And, you know, you don't get any appreciation for doing that. In that way winning is quite nice Becky Freeburn, Real Yellow Jersey winner 2026

“People come in and talk, they all seem to know each other,” she reflects.

By providing a friendly space for connection through bikes, Seacroft has enabled Becky to build valuable practical skills, enhance her personal wellbeing, and give back to her local community.

Shining a spotlight

The Real Yellow Jersey award shines a spotlight on people using cycling to tackle some of society’s toughest challenges – from climate change and air pollution to mental health and social exclusion.

On winning a Real Yellow Jersey award, Becky says: “I’m a little bit nervous, I’m not very good at being on camera, but it feels exciting! I guess, like looking after my daughter Hannah, it’s something that no one ever notices you’re doing.

“And, you know, you don't get any appreciation for doing that. In that way winning is quite nice.”