Cycling is more than movement.

It’s freedom. It’s joy. It’s community.

For nearly 20 years, Bikeworks has been creating inclusive spaces where difference is visible – and valued.

Photographer Becky Mursell shares this same vision through her portrait series The Everyday Cyclist. Her portraits capture people and their cycles: from handcycles to two-wheelers, from commuters to leisure riders, celebrating the rich diversity of cycling in London.

Over three years, the project has grown into a remarkable archive of more than 115 cyclists, each with their own story. Among them are Erma, and soon Jamie — both part of the Bikeworks community. Their portraits reflect the spirit of inclusion that powers everything we do.

 

 

Capturing Difference

At Bikeworks, cycles aren’t just equipment – they’re freedom, confidence, and connection.

The Everyday Cyclist makes this visible. Each portrait shows the bond between rider and cycle, where difference is celebrated, pride shines through, and individuality takes centre stage.

• Erma, our Community Connector Cycle Pilot, uses the side-by-side cycle to reach people who are isolated, sparking joy and belonging through the simple act of riding together.

“I meet lots of people and make lots of friends. No two days are the same – whether it’s going for a joy ride, picking up shopping, or taking people to appointments. I really love doing this.”

 

• Jamie, our Inclusive Cycling Advisor and a regular rider at our All Ability Club, will soon feature in the series. Her portrait will capture her individuality and determination — qualities that shape how cycling is made accessible at Bikeworks.

“As someone who both advises on inclusion and rides at Bikeworks’ All Ability Clubs, I see every week how the right cycle can remove any unnecessary barriers. A cycle that feels safe and comfortable not only makes participation possible, but also enables riders to experience the joy and freedom of cycling.”

Together, their portraits and voices show what cycling becomes when joy is shared and community is built.

 

What’s Next for Becky

The ambition for 2026 is bold:

“I am determined to reach and inspire those who don’t cycle yet, as well as to use it as a tool to help position cycling as a powerful public health intervention.

My dream is to publicly launch with an exhibition in either Parliament or City Hall to coincide with UK Bike Week in June 2026. Followed by a year-long public art tour across London, installing the portraits in spaces like high streets, parks, hospitals, transport hubs, and shopping centres: reaching people where they live, shop, and travel.” — Becky Mursell

 

Why It Matters for Bikeworks

At Bikeworks, we’ve always believed in the power of the cycle as more than transport — it’s a catalyst for health, wellbeing, and community connection. Our programmes have shown that when everyone has access to a cycle, it can be a literal lifesaver — improving physical health, boosting mental wellbeing, and tackling deep-rooted health inequalities.

“Becky’s vision resonates with us because we’ve seen first-hand how something as humble as a cycle can change lives. Her portraits tell that story in a way that’s bold, beautiful, and impossible to ignore. By shining a light on difference, she’s helping to make visible what we’ve worked towards for nearly 20 years — that cycling belongs to everyone.” — Zoë Portlock, Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Bikeworks

Why It Matters

Cycling changes lives. It lifts moods, improves health, and creates community. When barriers are removed and the right cycles are available, people who might otherwise be left out discover independence, friendship, and confidence through riding.

The Everyday Cyclist celebrates this truth. By sharing the portraits of Erma, Jamie, and many others, Becky is showing that cycling is not just for the few – it’s for everyone.

 

See The Everyday Cyclist

•  Explore The Everyday Cyclist series →
•  Follow on Instagram →
•  Find two portraits in An Opinionated Guide to Cycle London (Hoxton Mini Press).

Meet Becky

Based in London, Becky Mursell is a freelance photographer with a passion for people and a love of bikes.

Her commercial work spans portraiture and events, helping organisations from businesses to schools and charities communicate who they are and what they do best.

Cycling became part of her life after moving to London, initially as a practical way to save money and boost mental health. What began as commuting grew into adventure, challenge, and community.

Highlights include placing in the top 2% of women in Ride London (2023 and 2024), completing ultra-distance challenges like the Norfolk 360 (400km) and Bryan Chapman (600km), and planning a ride in the Himalayas in Summer 2027.

 

Our recent Dr Bike event in Mile End showed what happens when community organisations come together with a shared purpose. Across the day, 90–100 people dropped in to get their bikes checked, repaired, and back on the road. Brake pads, cables, and other essential fixes were made — saving people hundreds of pounds they may not have been able to spend otherwise. For many, it was the difference between leaving their bike at home or keeping cycling.

This event was made possible through support from Tower Hamlets Council.

The day was led by Mile End Community Project (MCP), whose deep roots and trusted relationships in the neighbourhood brought residents along in large numbers. As Nurull from MCP described, Dr Bike is a “lifeline” — and that’s exactly what it felt like on the day.

 

 

Zoe Portlock, Co-CEO of Bikeworks, said:

“When people share the same purpose, great things happen. Working with MCP is great proof of that — their strong community ties and our mechanics’ know-how came together to support people who needed it most. That’s what partnership is all about: side by side, making cycling something everyone can enjoy.”

Nurull Islam added:

“Events like Dr Bike Fest show how collaboration between community groups, local organisations, and partners can make a real difference. By breaking down barriers such as costly repairs, we’re encouraging more people to embrace cycling as a healthy, sustainable way to travel.”

What stood out was how agile and innovative both organisations were in working together. From MCP’s on-the-ground organising and volunteer support, to Bikeworks’ mechanics and practical know-how, we showed how partnership can respond directly to community need while staying rooted in a shared purpose.

 

 

These partnerships don’t just fix bikes; they build confidence, reduce inequalities, and strengthen community ties.

A short survey MCP ran captured postcode data and rider feedback, giving us valuable insight into who attended and how the event is making a difference. And thanks to photographer Rehan Jamil and MCP’s film clips, we have powerful visuals to tell the story.

 

 

What’s next?

The demand and energy on the day were clear — people were already asking when the next Dr Bike will be. MCP is planning a follow-up session after the summer holidays, and we’ll be there again. Because this isn’t just about repairs; it’s about showing what communities can achieve when we come together with shared values and purpose.

 

 

Social prescribers connect people with the activities and support that make the biggest difference to their health and wellbeing. And what better tool than cycling — affordable, sustainable, confidence-building, and joyful. This summer, Bikeworks joined forces with the GLA, TfL, and the Tower Hamlets GP Care Group to launch a new Santander Cycle Hire offer, designed to put cycling firmly into the hands of social prescribers across the borough.

A true partnership in action

Behind the scenes, partners from GLA, TfL, and the GP Care Group worked closely with Bikeworks to shape an experience that would let social prescribers feel the benefits of cycling first-hand, before offering it on to their patients and communities.

On 30th July, more than 20 social prescribing link workers gathered in Victoria Park for a cycle skills session using Santander bikes. Led by Bikeworks’ qualified instructors — including Co-CEO Jim Blakemore — the group explored off-road routes, rebuilt cycling confidence, and rediscovered the simple joy of riding together.

As Zoe Portlock, Co-CEO of Bikeworks, reflected:

“At Bikeworks we’ve seen time and again how cycling can transform people’s confidence, wellbeing, and connection to others. As an inclusive cycling social enterprise, we’re proud to bring our expertise into partnerships with health professionals like the GP Care Group — making cycling part of everyday care and support, and ensuring the people who will benefit most have the chance to rediscover it in a safe and welcoming way.”

Positive first rides

The energy on the day spoke for itself. Many participants hadn’t cycled in years, while others were trying Santander bikes for the very first time — and the feedback was immediate.

Elsa Robinson (GLA) reflected on the impact: “There was some really nice feedback from people who hadn’t cycled in a long time and loved it.”

For Preet Johal (Tower Hamlets GP Care Group), the session went beyond enjoyment, sparking inspiration among the team: “The social prescribers said they had a lovely time. I think you may have inspired some of us to get back into cycling!”

And as Sahdia Warraich (Social Prescribing Manager) shared the following morning, the experience was still resonating: “Everyone had a great time. They were all talking about it at this morning’s Social Prescribing team meeting!”

Cycling as “More Than Medicine”

This pilot shows the potential of integrating cycling into the “More Than Medicine” approach that social prescribing is built on. By working together — the city-wide reach of GLA and TfL, Bikeworks’ expertise in inclusive cycling, and the trusted role of GP Care Group link workers — we are opening up cycling to people who might otherwise be excluded.

The session gave social prescribers the chance to experience cycling first-hand. With this confidence, social prescribers can now champion cycling as part of their work, encouraging residents who are less likely to cycle — whether because of confidence, cost, or lack of opportunity — to give it a go.

This is just the start. By equipping social prescribers to lead the way, we can ensure more people across Tower Hamlets — and beyond — discover the freedom, confidence, and connection that riding a bike brings.