WE’RE PUMPED UP FOR CYCLING

UK charity captures the dawn of the Golden Age of Cycling in uplifting photo series

• A ‘historical moment in British cycling’ captured for the first time
• Welsh cyclists included in photo series: www.cyclinguk.org/pumpedup/portraits
• Hi-res versions available

Cycling UK has been touring the country documenting the nation’s new love of cycling since lockdown. The comprehensive collection of images and stories is the first of its kind and offers a unique snapshot of Britain’s cycling history.

Over 50 cyclists participated in the project from cities across the UK. Some finding themselves on a bike for the first time others making the most of quieter roads and more cycle lanes. This has been a summer cycling will never forget.

Making their mark, are several Cardiff cyclists, including Vera Ngosi (Cardiff) became such a fan of cycling during lockdown she started her own cycling Instagram channel. For 70 year old Sybil Williams, her e-bike is key to the freedom of cycling, while for Cardiff Cabinet member Chris Weaver and the Jantuna family cycling has come to mean fun and liberating.

James Scott, Cycling UK Director comments ‘These are the faces behind the percentages governments in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are recording. Through this project we have captured the moment when people from all walks of life started cycling. We know that if people see people ‘like them’ out on the roads it gives them the confidence to give a bike a try. So we wanted to show the huge diversity of people who love cycling across the UK. Cycling is not only great for your health but obviously the environment, your wallet and above all great fun. We’re pumped up to help even more people reap the benefits of travelling on two wheels.

The charity will be displaying these new stories as part of its Pumped Up campaign which aims to celebrate and support new and returning cyclists. View the full gallery here www.cyclinguk.org/pumpedup/portraits. The public are invited to share their own stories at #pumpedup @wearecyclinguk

City: Cardiff 

Obviously like everyone I cycled when I was a kid, but then I didn’t ride a bike for a long long time. Eventually I worked in a hospital with people who had disabilities. We wanted to get them cycling, which got me cycling.

We set up a charity to give people with learning difficulties the possibility to cycle. It’s still going today, it’s called Pedal Power. It’s great to see 100s of people going out to cycle that normally wouldn’t. One guy comes from Hereford, who had a head injury, just to use our bikes. It’s good for people to achieve on a bike when they’re struggling to achieve elsewhere.

I’ve done various other little rides with a friend who did routing, I’d always follow behind him and I’d struggle with hills, which is why I would recommend an electric bike. At 70 it’s the key to enjoying it.

I love the freedom of cycling, enjoying the breeze going…well not through your hair if you haven’t got…but sort of against your face.

Sybil Williams M.B.E.
Cardiff

City: Cardiff 

This is us, me and my kids on a bike ride. I like cycling when the weather is nice, but it’s also fun for the family. My kids are 9,11, and 3. I taught them all to ride with help for their Grandpa.

Mateusz Jantuna
Cardiff

City: Cardiff

Cycling is therapeutic. You can go anywhere, tackle anything. Feel Liberated.

It’s why I started my cycling instagram page during lockdown. I had more time to cycle, and I realised, I don’t see many black people on bikes, particularly black women. So i wanted to create this image and put it out there, so that people could see themselves cycling.

Bikes are so diverse that anyone can find something that fits. It doesn’t need to be a speedy racer, it can be a trike, anything. My bike is called Big Bertha. In terms of road cycling, she’s one of the heaviest and slowest ones out there. I commute to work with her, put my handbag in the front and just enjoy a nice leisurely ride.

Vera Ngosi, Cardiff

City: Cardiff

I’m a cabinet member of Cardiff Council. I used to ride in London and Cardiff is a welcome change. Cardiff infrastructure is getting better and there’s more opportunities to cycle.

If I were to try and convince a newbie to take up cycling I’d say it’s easier than you think. Pick a destination and go for it. I use my bike to get to work and the shops mainly. It’s fun. Feels free. It’s liberating.

Chris Weaver
Cardiff