Naz Kosar: The Real Yellow Jersey winner who used cycling to boost women’s mental health

Naz Kosar first came to Big Bike Revival sessions seeking a positive change for the planet and also herself, as she suffers from anxiety. She wasn’t involved in any sport at the time, but wanted to find something to improve her wellbeing, while also thinking more sustainably. 

However, she found herself becoming so passionate, that she has gone on to win community awards for her work supporting other women and girls’ mental health through cycling.

The urgency Naz felt to do this was amplified by the low moods she witnessed other women suffering from in her local community group, Friends of Bradford Moor Park, which she’d help set up in 2019. It was during pandemic lockdowns, and people were struggling psychologically.

Naz asked everyone in the group what they would like to do to boost their mood, and cycling came up. There was a particular interest towards cycling among the women, many of whom are from the South Asian community, where cycling for women is taboo. 

Many of the women had watched boys learning to cycle when they were young, and were keen to try it as part of a healthy lifestyle to then allow and encourage their children to cycle.

Thankfully, Naz came across Fozia, who runs Big Bike Revival delivery partner Hop-On, a cycle training community interest company in Bradford. Fozia was glad to help deliver sessions from Bradford Moor Park, kickstarting Naz’s cycling journey.

Before joining Big Bike Revival sessions for the first time, Naz couldn’t ride a bike, but the moment she started, something clicked for her. Cycling wasn’t just a new activity, but she could feel a deep passion build inside her, giving her joy and purpose. 

She felt compelled to share her newfound love with her local community, particularly the other women who were hesitant to try it.

For Naz personally, cycling has made a huge difference, as it has supported her to reduce levels of anxiety and feel a sense of happiness and freedom. She became confident riding on her own, and enjoyed it so much that to share it with her community, she has trained to be a Bikeability instructor.

The qualification shows just how far Naz has come since the start, so how does that make her feel? “Quite proud, actually,” she replies. 

I couldn’t ride a bike two years ago. To ride as an adult with underlying health needs, it’s an achievement

She facilitates weekly learn to ride sessions every Sunday, and has watched other women grow in confidence and self-esteem. They have also had the opportunity to form new friendships, boosting the positive effects from the physical activity.

There are lots of excellent cycle lanes in our area. We go to the local parks as there are lots of lovely parks across Bradford. We’re planning on going further as the group’s confidence grows
 

Naz is truly passionate about supporting women and girls’ mental health through a variety of activities, and she’s won community awards for it. 

There are now over 30 ladies who ride a bike through the weekly sessions. While Naz applied for funding to get two containers for bikes installed in the park, she leads everything on a voluntary basis herself.

However, Naz’s journey has not been without challenges as she had to overcome stigma, cultural barriers and reluctance from others in the community. But Naz says many in the community have now accepted women cycling and she’s hoping this will become the norm in the foreseeable future – thanks to her determination.

The cycling activity was the first step in breaking down barriers and changing attitudes. I hope that the voices of women continue to be heard and they can feel confident carrying out any activity that they want to do
 

Naz says she’s learnt patience, balance, and awareness, and crucially, has become more mindful of cyclists as a driver. She has a much better sense of how to be safe on the road, and has learnt route planning and bike maintenance too.

Cycling makes me feel on top of the world. I think cycling should be a life skill taught at school like swimming. The ladies in my community group are not timid anymore, they have a voice. Cycling has brought them confidence, strength and will power, as well as resilience

For her community spirit and courage in using cycling to break boundaries and give women a voice, Cycling UK has named Naz as one of its Real Yellow Jersey winners. The award celebrates people who tackle some of society’s toughest challenges through cycling and ten years of the charity’s Big Bike Revival project.