Richard’s story: From one wheel to two: a life-changing journey
Warning: this article contains topics some people may find upsetting, including Richard’s experience with suicide ideation.
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 Richard.
A gifted unicycle was the route forward
Richard learned to cycle as a child but stopped after a car accident as a teenager left him lacking the confidence to ride. Decades passed without him riding a bicycle. Then, an unusual turning point occurred: his father was given a unicycle and passed it on to him.
Intrigued by the challenge, Richard spent weeks in his local park teaching himself to balance on one wheel. That experience sparked a desire to return to a standard bicycle.
Living near Station South in Manchester, a local delivery hub for Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival, he spotted a poster for ‘adult returner classes’ and decided to sign up.
“It was billed as a beginner class to refresh your skills. It asked, ‘Have you been out of cycling for a while?’ And I thought, you know what, I have! I didn’t have a two-wheeled bicycle of my own at the time, so I thought, why not? They said I could borrow one.”
A non-judgmental environment
Although he initially struggled to adjust to two wheels again, riding quickly came back to him. The non-judgmental environment created by instructors Sumayra and Anna was crucial. Soon, Richard was passing on encouragement to fellow participants.
“No judgment was the key,” Richard reflects. “These were other adult learners, I did not feel out of place. I felt very welcome regardless of where I was in my learning progress. Some people are progressing so quickly and you are not excluded, you start helping others. Your own example can inspire other people.”
From participant to leader
His transition from participant to leader happened organically. When Sumayra needed cover for a session, Richard stepped in to assist. Being recognised as capable of helping teach was a turning point. Within two years, he completed his Ride Leader training with BikeRight!, as well as courses in first aid and mental health first aid.
Finding inclusive cycling spaces, including Rainbow Riders, an LGBTQ+ cycling group, provided a crucial safety net during a period of acute mental health struggle. Having previously overcome addiction and survived severe depression, Richard found purpose and a real sense of connection in the cycling community.
“In a nutshell, a few years ago, I was in therapy for suicide prevention. It was one of the darkest times in my life. But it was through the courage of the people close to me that I survived, and the kindness of strangers who have never questioned my validity.”
It’s not about the recognition. It’s about the work … I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend my time Richard Chapman, Real Yellow Jersey winner 2026
Approached with humility and open communication
Richard now works alongside Sumayra as an assistant instructor and ride leader across projects including ‘Cycle With Sumayra’ and ‘Cycle Her Way’, which deliver sessions for South Asian women. Recognising that he was entering a female-only space as a white man, Richard approached the role with humility and open communication.
“I did genuinely think, not being a South Asian woman, and not knowing the culture in detail, ‘is this appropriate for me?’” he admits. By listening, asking respectful questions, and adjusting his presence, he became a trusted and welcomed asset to the group.
Today, Richard often uses his bicycle and a trailer, particularly for work and to haul equipment for community rides. However, he says that his unicycle is still his preferred ride. He is gearing up to complete a City & Guilds mechanics qualification to formalise his maintenance skills and support local riders further.
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 Real Yellow Jersey is a celebration of both his personal resilience and his dedication to helping others discover the freedom of cycling.
“It’s amazing!” says Richard. “It’s not about the recognition. It’s about the work. Because some people say they never thought they would be able to do this. And seeing different people do different things is inspiring. I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend my time.”
