Laura Osborne: The Real Yellow Jersey winner who turned a bike hub into a community lifeline

In the world of cycling, the yellow jersey is the big one – worn by the leader of the Tour de France and a symbol of top-tier athleticism.

But for Cycling UK, the real champions aren’t the ones on TV—they’re in our neighbourhoods, pedalling through our streets, all the while making an extraordinary difference in their communities.

Laura, a single mum from Southampton, is one of the proud winners of Cycling UK’s The Real Yellow Jersey award. Launched to mark 10 years of The Big Bike Revival, the campaign celebrates everyday people using bikes to tackle serious issues like climate change, poor mental health, public health and more.

Like many of us, Laura didn’t grow up dreaming of being a ride leader or even someone known to be a keen cyclist. She rode a bike as a child but stopped riding as she entered adulthood. Detailing how she got back into cycling, Laura shared how, 

Twenty years ago, I lost my licence and had no clue how I was going to get to work every day. The bus times weren’t ideal, and I saw this as a healthy and affordable option. I actually hated every minute of it in the beginning. I was sweaty, tired, fed up with this one hill climb each morning to get there. Coming back home was far better and I always looked forward to freewheeling down the hill heading home

After about six months, Laura returned to her car and the bike got put to the back of the shed. But that all changed during the pandemic. With strict rules and lockdowns in place, Laura spotted a post on Facebook from Josh, founder at Monty’s Bike Hub.

“He was doing small group rides for around six people max. I had my son, Bailey, home with me, and thought—why not?” What started as a way to get out of the house turned into something so much bigger.

“I’d never ridden properly before and had always felt a bit unsteady on my bike as an adult. But the people on that first ride were so kind. They didn’t care that I was new, or that I was nervous. They just welcomed me in.” Soon, Laura wasn’t just riding—she was leading.

With a bit of encouragement from Josh, she took a course through Cycling UK to become a qualified Ride Leader. 

It was only a day course. I thought, yeah, I’ll give it a go. Next thing I know, I’m co-leading rides with Josh. Now, I work at Monty’s

Monty’s, a buzzing community centre near Southampton, has become a hub for people from all walks of life. Laura helps run group rides, fix bikes, and make everyone—from kids to pensioners—feel welcome.

“We get everyone,” she says proudly. “From 18 to 90 years old, all riding together, talking and sharing stories. It’s so rare to see that interaction and it means everything to these people.” For Laura, cycling isn’t about lycra, medals, or beating your last speedy cycle. It’s about connection.

Cycling brings people together. People who’d never normally cross paths. Where else does an 18-year-old sit and chat with someone in their 80s about life? It can be a lifeline for people battling mental health problems
 

Laura went on to share that, “there’ve been dark times I’ve had to deal with in my life where cycling has seriously helped. When that ugly shadow is hanging over you, the best thing for me is getting on my bike and riding it off. That fresh air, that space… it clears your head.”

And it’s not just Laura who understand the mental health benefits of cycling. “I’ve had women tell me it’s the only time they feel like themselves again. That little bit of confidence, freedom—it matters.”

Laura’s especially passionate about getting more women cycling—something she says still faces plenty of challenges.

“Helmets mess up your hair, cycling gear feels too tight, and let’s be honest—bikes aren’t always seen as ‘girly’. My own daughter hates the helmet for that exact reason.” To change things, Laura makes a point of riding in everyday clothes. 

I want women to see that they don’t have to dress a certain way to ride a bike. You don’t need fancy gear. Just get on and ride

Beyond the weekly community rides, Laura also runs a weekly ladies-only ride from Monty’s. “Some of the women have only just learned to ride. Some are older and nervous. So, we keep the routes easy, and make sure we always stop for a coffee and chat.”

“It’s not a race. It’s about feeling good.” The Real Yellow Jersey award was set up to recognise people like Laura—those quietly changing lives with nothing more than a bike and a bit of heart. And for Laura, it means the world.

I’m just a single mum who wanted to make a difference. I’m not in it for the glory. But this award—it shows people care. That what we’re doing matters to people in the area

Even beyond her local community, Laura has been recognised for all her incredible community work. Last year I went to The Big Bike Revival event in Manchester. People were like, ‘You’re from Monty’s!’ and started asking me questions and taking notes. I realised—this thing we’ve built in Southampton is actually inspiring people across the country.”

Speaking about what the future holds, Laura wants to see more investment in community cycling projects. “We need more rides, more hubs, more support. People want to ride—they just need someone to help them get started.”

And she’s seen first-hand how powerful that help can be. 

I don’t even live in the Monty’s area anymore, but I’ll never stop coming back. This place, these people—they’re my heart now. If I can keep getting people out of the house, out of their heads, and onto a bike… then I’ve done something right.

For Laura, it’s simple. “Cycling can connect communities. It can bridge the gap between the young and elderly, empower you with confidence and really change lives.” And that’s what The Real Yellow Jersey is all about.