Cycling UK awards ‘Real Yellow Jersey’ to four inspiring cyclists

Cycling UK has awarded four exceptional people a handknitted ‘Real Yellow Jersey’ to celebrate how they have used cycling overcome challenges in their lives.

In the iconic Tour de France, the yellow jersey has been worn by the overall leader since its introduction to this elite race more than 100 years ago in 1919. However, the Real Yellow Jersey award recognises that cycling is about a lot more than sport.

Cycling UK has awarded jerseys in Tour de France yellow to four people who have used cycling to change their lives and inspire more of us to ride bikes.

Cycling is a powerful everyday activity that supports health, independence and connection. It plays a vital role in tackling some of society’s biggest challenges, from climate change and air pollution to obesity and mental health.

Part of Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival, the Real Yellow Jersey is a way of highlighting this, as well as recognising the achievements of everyday people.

This year, Cycling UK has awarded the Real Yellow Jersey to four people: Becky Freeburn, Karen Schofield, Mohamed Sesay and Richard Chapman. You can read their full stories at the Real Yellow Jersey.

Becky is a mum who cares for a child with additional needs. She needed something meaningful to do in her life to balance her often complex and tiring caring responsibilities. Cycling provided a space for her to do something for herself, a vital mental break and sense of personal identity beyond her home life.

Karen found that cycling provided a new lease of life after long-term challenges with her mental health and anxiety led to isolation.

Mohamed learned to ride a bike for the first time in his early 40s, encouraged by his children. For him, it marks a proud milestone and a way to be more connected with his family, as well as well as a practical way to travel and save money.

Richard rediscovered cycling as an adult, almost by accident through learning to ride a unicycle. It became an important part of his mental health recovery. It’s been a life-changing journey, where the non-judgmental community he found inspired him to give back. He is now helping others discover the same benefits.

Each garment took an around 35 hours to complete and was hand-knitted by The Seacroft Hookers & Knit-wits in Leeds, West Yorkshire, a Big Bike Revival delivery partner. Made from yarn supplied by West Yorkshire Spinners, the sweaters were made for everyday use and to feel comfortable when cycling.

Real Yellow Jersey is part of The Big Bike Revival. The project started life more than 10 years ago, aiming to restore old bikes and encourage more people to cycle.

Today it has evolved to reshape perceptions of cycling safety, break down social and cultural barriers, and inspire hundreds of thousands of individuals to cycle for shorter journeys.

The Real Yellow Jersey celebrates everyday cycling, how transformational it can be, and is a call to encourage more people to discover its joys James Scott, Director of Behaviour Change at Cycling UK

In the last year, the programme reached 96,642 people through more than 3,000 events across England.

It was delivered through Cycling UK’s network of 295 community delivery partners and bike recycling hubs across the country, helping people discover the practical, financial and wellbeing benefits of cycling.

A newly published impact report shows that 46% of participants started cycling more for local trips, resulting in an estimated 93,230 additional cycling trips.

Significantly, 64% of those trips replaced journeys previously made by car, demonstrating the project’s contribution to healthier communities and more sustainable local travel.

The Big Bike Revival has helped reshape local transport across communities and delivered material benefits. More than that, though, the programme has also had a huge benefit to people’s wellbeing.

A huge 90% of participants said they felt happier thanks to attending a Big Bike Revival activity, and 64% reported increased physical wellbeing due to being more active.

James Scott, Director of Behaviour Change at Cycling UK, said: “The benefits of cycling are often underestimated, but it can have a huge impact on both individuals and communities, making neighbourhoods safer, healthier and more prosperous places.

“The Big Bike Revival proves this year after year, saving people money and improving wellbeing.

“That’s why we celebrate the Real Yellow Jersey campaign, to spotlight people who have used bikes to overcome life challenges, connect with their communities, get more active and live greener lives.

“The Real Yellow Jersey celebrates everyday cycling, how transformational it can be, and is a call to encourage more people to discover its joys.”