Volunteer star: Shabana

An amazing cycling journey that started with a gift of a bike from her husband and developed into a lifelong passion for cycling, and creating a new community cycling group to encourage and support other women from BAME groups to cycle.

My cycling journey began when my husband came home one day with a bicycle for me. Tentatively I started cycling around my local park, later venturing onto cycle paths and canal towpaths with my husband and other times with my friends, making cycling feel less daunting and more enjoyable. As my confidence grew, I joined Preston Pedals’ social rides and the Breeze rides that Joanne also led. These group rides not only introduced me to new cycle routes but to a wonderful community of cyclists. Riding with others has increased the enjoyment I get from cycling and through cycling groups, I have continued to discover new places and make new friends.

Completing the Guild Wheel (local 21 miles route) was a huge personal achievement and proud moment, proving to myself how far I’d come from those early days. Cycling has become a way to improve both my physical and mental well-being as well as a mode of transport. Being out in nature, feeling the fresh air, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings has had a positive impact on my health, making me feel stronger and more energised. My confidence and independence out riding was also increased by going to one of Preston Pedals learn to fix sessions, where I learnt how to change the tube in a flat tyre.

Building on my personal journey, Preston Pedals has supported me to get a cycling coach and ride leader qualification. This led to organising own cycle rides and eventually to creating a new local community cycling group for ladies, which we call ‘Spokes Sisters’. I’ve been able to support and encourage other women, particularly those from the BAME community, on their cycling journeys. Seeing these women grow in confidence and to embrace cycling as a positive part of their lives has been incredibly rewarding. What started as a simple gift from my husband has now become a lifelong passion. Cycling has not only transformed my life but I’ve helped other women experience the same joy, freedom, and empowerment that comes with riding a bike.