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.

 

The start of our journey together began with a simple question: can cycling bring people together who feel isolated or excluded? Working alongside Westminster City Council through a Department for Transport Tackling Loneliness with Transport pilot, we found the answer in motion—riding side by side, sharing stories, and feeling part of something bigger.

By listening to residents, we learned that the joy of cycling is about more than the bike. It’s about being alongside others, chatting while you move, and removing practical barriers—cost, storage, confidence—so people who never thought cycling was for them can experience freedom, companionship, and connection.

How Cycle Connect makes a difference

• Shaped by lived experience. Residents told us what they needed; together we built a service that works for them.
• Ride together. Up to three people can ride with one of our trained Cycle Pilots—sharing the journey, conversation, and the simple joy of being side by side.
• Freedom to choose. Pedal, ride as a passenger, or add e-assist support—your ride, your way.
• Friendly guidance. Pilots offer route advice, local tips, and encouragement throughout.
• Connection at the heart. Every ride is about belonging and shared moments in motion.

“I never thought I’d cycle again after my stroke, but riding on Cycle Connect has given me back a sense of freedom. It’s not just the movement, it’s the laughter and company that make it so special.” – Westminster resident

Celebrating impact

Last year, Erma Ryan and Zoe Portlock had the privilege of attending the Active Westminster Awards, where Bikeworks won the Inclusive Award for Cycle Connect. This recognition celebrates how inclusive cycling can deepen connection and enrich everyday life across the borough.

Here’s Harry, one of our passionate Cycle Pilots, on why the rides matter and the difference they make for residents:

“Cycle Connect builds community engagement;  it gets people out and about, in the fresh air, and able to do things that they might not normally be able to do. They can go to appointments, meet new people and do some exercise. It helps them live their lives.”

A place-based, inclusive cycling offer

Cycle Connect is part of a wider network of activities available for Westminster residents:

• All Ability Club – Regent’s Park: every Wednesday – bookable spaces
• All Ability Club – Little Wormwood Scrubs: every Friday and alternate Saturdays – turn up and ride
• Family SEND cycling – Ashburnham School: inclusive sessions for children and young people with SEND for the whole-family support

Ride with us, partner with us

Cycle Connect shows what’s possible when we work together: we reach people who’ve been overlooked, create meaningful connections, and unlock the freedom of cycling for all.

 Residents: Book a Cycle Connect ride or join an All Ability Club – more info on our website HERE.
 Community groups & services: Partner with us to extend our reach and deepen impact – Join Our Journey – more info HERE.

 Get in touch: enquiries@bikeworks.org.uk

Together with Westminster, we’re proving that cycling isn’t just transport — it’s movement, connection, and belonging.

By Jamie Lawson, Inclusive Cycling Advisor at Bikeworks

When people think about cycling, they often picture two wheels, balance, and speed. But cycling can take many different forms, and with the right equipment, it becomes an activity that everyone can enjoy. That’s why having a fleet inclusive of cycles is essential, not only for All Ability Clubs, but also for schools, local authorities, care homes, and community groups that want to make cycling accessible to everyone.

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.

 

With the right cycles, no one is left out.

Recently, one of our clubs added two new cycles to the fleet: the Fun2Go and the EasyRider. These bikes have already transformed the way people ride together. The Fun2Go is a side-by-side tandem, so two riders can pedal and chat at the same time — perfect for friends, carers, or anyone who feels more confident with riding with company. The EasyRider, with its low step-through frame and supportive seat, makes cycling accessible for people who may struggle with balance or joint pain.

“Investing in the Fun2Go and EasyRider cycles from Bikeworks has been one of the best decisions for our community. As specialists in inclusive cycling, Bikeworks helped us choose the right bikes to meet local needs. These cycles have opened up riding to people of all ages and abilities, and we’re already seeing the benefits — more people taking part, more confidence, and more families enjoying cycling together.”

 

I’ve seen first-hand the joy these cycles bring.

Riders who hadn’t been on a bike in years are rediscovering the freedom of movement. Families are cycling together in ways they never thought possible. One person told me that the Fun2Go made them feel like they were “part of the action again,” after years of watching from the sidelines.

For me personally, my favourite cycle is the Fun2Go. There’s something special about being able to share the ride side by side. It turns cycling into a social activity — laughter, conversation, and exercise all rolled into one.

Getting the fleet right isn’t just about variety. It’s about equity.

It ensures that no matter your age, ability, or confidence level, there’s a cycle that can work for you. That’s what makes inclusive cycling so powerful. It’s not just about bikes — it’s about freedom, wellbeing, and connection.

If you’re curious, visit us at our Inclusive Cycle Sales Showroom opposite the Velo in the Olympic Park, or come along to one of our All Ability Clubs. We can help you find the right fleet for your school, local authority, care home, or community group.