Karen’s story: Cycling to connect and heal

Warning: this article contains topics some people may find upsetting, including Karen’s experience with suicide.

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 Karen.

Having grown up on a smallholding in Cornwall, Karen remembered cycling as a child but had not ridden a bike as an adult. By her late 30s, she had started to struggle with her mental health.

Karen faced long-term challenges, including suicide attempts, and found herself isolated at home, dealing with intense anxiety about meeting new people and going outdoors.

Taking the leap onto the saddle

Karen decided something needed to change, and after a sleepless night of nerves, Karen took the leap and joined the session with TC Cycling Skills, a local delivery partner for Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival programme, led by instructor Tracey.

Speaking about how she decided to try cycling, “It was actually word of mouth because I was going through quite a rough time,” Karen recalls.

“Someone said to me, well, why don’t you come out on one of the rides with Tracey, see how you get on, see how you feel. I was very, very nervous, but I didn't have my own bike, so I nervously went along. And to be fair, I’ve never really looked back.

“I was greeted by people who not only loved bike riding but seemed to understand me, made me welcome and helped me on my first bike ride in many years.”

An environment for everyone to feel welcomed

For Karen, the non-judgmental environment and Tracey’s hands-on support were crucial to encourage her to come back – and keep going regularly. Knowing Karen felt too overwhelmed to source a bike for herself, Tracey collected a refurbished, classic Raleigh bike on her behalf so she could participate.

“Tracey is without doubt a people’s person, treats everyone as an individual and understands their needs when biking, without making you feel different from others or insignificant. Go for a bike ride with Tracey and feel your self-esteem improve, feel mindfulness in motion, and let some endorphins work their magic.”

The supportive, welcoming culture of the group provided immediate reassurance. Even when a broken wrist kept Karen off her bike for several weeks, the group kept in touch, providing a vital community safety net.

“Cycling has been the best thing that has happened to me in so many years, my mental health has been helped so much. You cycle and feel free, you cycle and see nature, see amazing scenery, feel the breeze hit your face.

It’s a massive boost to me … so I will be wearing it with pride. I’m thrilled to bits to win it Karen Schofield, Real Yellow Jersey winner 2026

“Once I have set off with the group, I can feel myself smile. I feel my brain start to ease from that horrible feeling of anxiety and stress.”

The physical and mental benefits of cycling have been life-changing

Since taking up cycling, the physical and mental benefits have been life changing. Karen has seen significant improvements in her physical health; losing weight, improving her asthma management, and enjoying better sleep; while building lasting friendships across all age groups.

The confidence Karen gained on the bike has spread into other areas of her life. Now semi-retired, she uses her bicycle to accompany nervous horse riders along narrow Cornish lanes, offering the same reassurance to others that she once received.

Now looking forward to helping Tracey with future rides and joining additional weekly sessions, Karen views her bicycle as a tool for ongoing joy and recovery: “I’m moving forward and pedalling on my way.”

Shining a spotlight

The Real Yellow Jersey award 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.

Winning a hand-knitted Real Yellow Jersey is a deeply moving recognition for Karen, celebrating both her resilience and the welcoming community that helped her thrive. “It’s a massive boost to me … so I will be wearing it with pride. I'm thrilled to bits to win it.”