Matthew Goodman: The Real Yellow Jersey winner who turned to cycling and stayed to help others

The yellow jersey usually signifies professional cycling prowess, but this year Cycling UK are getting ahead of the Tour de France, by honouring ten people who are redefining what true cycling excellence means.

Matthew, a passionate community advocate based in Plymouth, has been named one of Cycling UK’s Real Yellow Jersey winners—an award celebrating individuals using cycling to tackle society’s toughest challenges and 10 years of the charity’s Big Bike Revival project.

Matthew’s journey into cycle advocacy began with his involvement at Bikespace, a not-for-profit social enterprise working to improve lives through cycling. Bikespace supports young people outside of mainstream education with vocational training, while also offering opportunities for vulnerable adults. 

Their partnership with Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support has provided vital resources—including bicycles—for newly arrived refugees.

“For my mental health, I started doing more community work,” said Matthew. 

I began signposting people to Bikespace’s Big Bike Revival events—not because I had to, but because I believed in it. The benefits of cycling were too clear to ignore

Though known locally for their busy repair workshop and growing presence in Plymouth’s cargo bike scene, it’s Bikespace’s deep community roots that left a lasting impact on Matthew. 

In 2023, he attended Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival Learn to Ride event, a turning point that led to him completing a road and trailside maintenance course. More than just learning practical skills, Matthew found a renewed sense of purpose. 

Having already been active in the Changing Futures project, supporting individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges, he saw the natural synergy between cycling and wellbeing.

Through guided rides, workshops, and volunteering, Matthew’s role evolved from participant to mentor and connector. “I was going to buy a car,” he shared, “but after those early rides, I realised cycling gave me so much more—freedom, connection, joy. I kept the money and chose the bike instead.”
 

This shift wasn’t just personal. Matthew began helping others see cycling as a tool for empowerment. “It’s helped people—especially women, vulnerable adults, those dealing with addiction—feel hope and purpose again,” he said. “It’s more than transport. It’s identity, belonging, and change.”

Matthew credits Bikespace’s holistic approach—offering not only bike repairs but also training, social rides, and community connections—with driving these outcomes. “Bikespace is a community asset. One of the last of its kind in the area. It’s made a real difference.”

Thanks to the skills he’s gained, Matthew will soon be volunteering at Bikespace, supporting its mission to get more people cycling and thriving. He’s also rediscovered local cycle routes, reinforcing how small infrastructure changes can have a major impact.

Through the Real Yellow Jersey initiative—launched to celebrate 10 years of the Big Bike Revival—Cycling UK recognises people like Matthew who are changing lives with pedal power. His story exemplifies how cycling can support physical health, mental wellbeing, addiction recovery, and even new employment pathways.

Cycling helped me, but more importantly, it’s helping others. It’s about removing barriers, changing perceptions, and building a stronger, healthier community

As the iconic yellow jersey finds new meaning, Matthew stands as a symbol of what cycling excellence truly looks like—resilient, generous, and deeply rooted in community.