Pedalling forward: how a simple Sunday ride sparked confidence, connection, and community
On a bright and breezy Sunday morning in October, thirty-five women from a variety of ethnically diverse communities came together to cycle, converse and create lasting connections. What began as a warm conversation over coffee between Jill Maddison of the Cycle Hub and I turned into a wonderful collaboration that brought together women and children— all eager to learn to ride on wheels.
A warm welcome at the cycle hub
We gathered at The Cycle Hub in Newcastle, where the friendly team fitted us with helmets and bikes, each adjusted perfectly to our height. For most of the women, this was a brand-new experience; some were complete beginners, while others hadn’t cycled in more than 40 years.
The all-female team of instructors — Vee, Jan, Yvette, and Paula — set a wonderful tone. Their warmth, patience and expertise made even the most hesitant of riders feel instantly comfortable.
Confidence on wheels (two and three!)
A delightful surprise came in the form of an adult tricycle — something many of us had never seen before. It proved invaluable for those who felt less confident on two wheels, allowing everyone to take part in their own way. Some even found it more challenging to steer, adding to the laughter and fun of the morning.
After a quick health and safety briefing, the group set off. The sun shone, the breeze lifted our spirits and soon the area was alive with laughter and energy.
Breaking barriers and building bonds
As the session progressed, the transformation was remarkable. Nervous smiles turned to laughter; tentative pushes became confident pedalling. Confidence was literally growing with every turn of the wheel.
The group reflected Newcastle’s rich diversity — Bengali, Arab, Pakistani, Turkish, African and Asian women came together. Language was not a barrier; everyone communicated through encouragement of one another bonding over the shared experience and joy.
The instructors offered gentle, practical guidance — adjusting seats, cheering each woman on and celebrating every small victory. Cones marked out exciting tracks, and the sense of community filled the air.
“I hadn’t been on a bike in over 30 years — but that day reminded me how freeing it feels.”
Personally, it was a rediscovery. After decades off the saddle, I finally found the confidence to cycle again — something I had wanted to do for years but didn’t know where to begin.
Building community through collaboration
This day simply wouldn’t have happened without the generosity and open-mindedness of Jill Madison, owner of The Cycle Hub. From our very first conversation, she was determined to make cycling more inclusive and accessible for all women, in particular those from ethnically diverse communities, a priority group at the heart of the This Girl Can initiative.
Her approach broke down barriers from the start — listening, engaging, and ensuring the event was community-led and reflective of women’s voices and experiences.
Warming up, winding down and looking ahead
After nearly two hours of riding, we headed back into the hub to warm up with hot chocolate, coffee and homemade cakes which were so greatly appreciated. The laughter didn’t stop there — women chatted, shared stories and even reconnected with old friends. What became clear was that through cycling, real, meaningful social connections had been made – to the delight of everyone.
The response of the women involved was overwhelmingly positive. 96% of the women who attended rated the session excellent with participants describing the session as “empowering”, “fun”, and “uplifting”.
The most common question?
“When’s the next one?”
More than just a bike ride
That Sunday was about more than learning to ride — it was about confidence, inclusion and community. It showed what’s possible when women support each other and are given the space to try, to learn and to grow. The Cycle Hub provided more than bikes — they offered belief, encouragement and a reminder that every woman, no matter her background or experience, can move and be physically active in a way that suits her.
Here’s to more laughter, more learning and more women discovering the freedom that cycling brings.
