Stories
Poplar HARCA Community Cycles has got women cycling for the first time and back on their bike after a break, with most participants planning on cycling more in the future. You can read more about their cycle stories below.
Naz
Cycling to self-confidence
Before attending her first session at CSCC, Naz had taken several Learn to Ride lessons but had not been able to master cycling and was giving up hope. She joined a session at CSCC and the supportive encouraging environment helped her to cycle! The next week she returned and loaned a bike and within half a day she was cycling with ease.
“I feel my self-confidence is increasing every time I come along to a session… I felt like I was flying when we cycled along the Thames, it was amazing.”
Serena
Building a career in cycling
Serena is a regular cyclist and through PHCC started her training as a Cycle Instructor after taking part in a previous cycling project run by Poplar HARCA. She’s been an integral member of PHCC since day one, first supporting sessions to complete her qualification to now delivering sessions to all ages and abilities. She’s now working on other Sustrans projects in addition to PHCC.
Jahura
“Cycling wasn’t for me”
Despite wanting to cycle, Jahura thought that it wasn’t possible for her as she didn’t learn as a child. PHCC provided a welcoming space to learn to ride and her confidence and skills developed quickly. Soon, she loaned bikes with her friends to practice in the park and began cycling with her sons. After one ‘social ride’, led by hub staff, Jahura says...
“My face and cheeks were hurting because I was smiling so much. I was so happy.”
Naaema
A role model for her community
Naaema started cycling after a period of ill health and is one of the most passionate advocates for cycling you’ll ever meet. She started her cycling journey with Cycle Sisters, the Muslim women’s cycling group who Hubbub worked within Tower Hamlets and now delivers learn to ride sessions at Mile End Park, and social rides at PHCC. Naaema quickly became one of our most valuable assets. She’s now started her National Instructor training course to pursue a career in cycling. “It’s about challenging those mental barriers that women face telling them they can’t do something. Once they have learnt to cycle, they ask themselves, “What else can I do?” It’s so empowering!”.
Sangeeta
Formerly rusty rider to confident commuter
After years of not cycling, Sangeeta joined the learn to ride sessions to boost her confidence and build her fitness. The sessions helped her try out a range of bikes and she’s now bought her own bike and is even cycling to work.. She also brought her children’s bikes down to be serviced and now they can go and ride as a family.