Cycling UK unveil Real Yellow Jersey winners 2025

A Muslim woman who broke cultural barriers to bring cycling to her community, a refugee who found purpose and connection through cycling, and a woman in her 60s who started riding a bike with her daughter to process the grief of losing her husband have all been awarded a “Real Yellow Jersey” jumper for embodying the spirit of The Big Bike Revival.

Please contact the media team if you would like to explore more in-depth features with our case studies.

1. Matthew Goodman, Plymouth 

Matthew, turned to community work to support his mental health and found new purpose through cycling. He got involved with Bikespace, a social enterprise helping vulnerable groups, and began signposting others to Big Bike Revival events. Through rides, training, and volunteering, he discovered the power of cycling to build confidence, connection, and hope—for himself and others. 

2. Laura Osborne, Southampton 

Laura, a single mum, rediscovered cycling during the pandemic and found more than just a way to get outside—it gave her confidence, purpose, and connection. She became a Ride Leader at Monty’s Bike Hub, helping others feel welcome and supported, especially women new to cycling.  

3. Helen McIntosh, Newcastle 

Helen, from Forest Hall, started cycling as a way to escape unreliable buses—and found a new love for commuting by e-bike. Supported by a local project, she gained confidence on the road and now rides to work three times a week.  

4. Helen Rowe, Essex 

Helen, returned to cycling in her 70s to improve her health and found a new passion along the way. Starting with an e-bike, she soon built up the confidence and fitness to switch to a mountain bike and trained as a trail leader. Now running Women on Wheels in Essex, Helen leads weekly rides and helps more women discover the joy and freedom of life on two wheels. 

5. Naz Kosar, Bradford 

Naz, learned to ride a bike through the Big Bike Revival and found it transformed her mental health and sense of freedom. Driven to support other women in her community—many of whom had never cycled before—she trained as a Bikeability instructor and now runs weekly sessions in Bradford. Naz’s determination has helped break down cultural barriers, empowering over 30 women to ride with confidence and pride. 

6. Bibiane Turner, Preston 

Bibiane, from Preston, took up cycling after the loss of her husband and found it helped her rebuild confidence and ease her grief. Encouraged by her daughter and supported by the Big Bike Revival and Preston Pedals, she learned new skills, joined social rides, and made meaningful connections. Now cycling for everyday trips, Bibiane has found strength, joy, and a renewed sense of wellbeing on two wheels. 

7. Mostafa, Halifax 

Mostafa, originally from Iran and now living in Halifax, reconnected with his lifelong love of cycling thanks to a donated bike from St. Augustine’s Charity and the Big Bike Revival. With it, he found freedom, improved his fitness, and discovered his new community. For Mostafa, cycling offers peace, connection, and a joyful way to explore his surroundings and start fresh in a new country. 

8. Hamida Jogee, Blackburn 

Hamida, reconnected with cycling through a community protest ride, breaking cultural taboos and finding new opportunities. Initially hesitant, she embraced the chance to ride again, and through Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival, helped her group form a community cycle club. Now, she’s enjoying improved confidence, health, and friendships, and is excited about the possibility of training to lead rides herself. 

9. Khadija Patel, Bolton 

Khadija, started cycling to improve her mental health and personal freedom while overcoming cultural challenges as a Muslim woman. Through the Big Bike Revival, she not only rediscovered her passion for cycling but also founded a community cycling club, Krimmz, to encourage Muslim women to ride. Despite initial resistance, the club has grown rapidly, offering bikes and support, and Khadija continues to inspire others, including women in their 60s, to embrace cycling as a way to improve their health and community connections. 

10. Sumayra Ahmad, Manchester 

Sumayra, was an occasional cyclist until she joined the Big Bike Revival and attended a Learn to Fix event. Learning to maintain her bike gave her the confidence to cycle more regularly and tackle longer rides. She now cycles instead of driving for short trips and has even become a cycling leader. Sumayra's work has inspired other South Asian women, showing them that cycling is for everyone, and she has created a supportive community where women feel empowered and confident on their bikes.