Celebrating our 2025 Bikeability winners
The annual awards, which are announced across our social media channels, celebrate the people who make Bikeability a success.
July 18, 2025
Welcome back to our annual Bikeability awards! Announced via our social media channels, they shine a spotlight on the incredible instructors, schools, organisations and individuals, who make Bikeability such a success.
Huge congratulations to this year’s winners – find out more about them in our rundown below!
Instructor of the Year
Winner: Victoria Brierley
Victoria has gone above and beyond to lead Bikeability across schools in Derbyshire, supporting children of all abilities to develop their cycling. She personally saved for years to buy a fleet of bikes so no child would miss out, and works tirelessly to include every child, whatever their background or ability. Her positivity and commitment have transformed hundreds of young lives—from anxious beginners to confident riders ready for the road.
Victoria won a £500 voucher courtesy of our partners at Freewheel.
“I was stunned to receive such recognition… it is an honour to teach these children to ride a bike as we open up a whole world of independence for them.”
Victoria Brierley, Bikeability Instructor of the Year 2025
Rising Star Award
Winner: Stefan Povolotsky
Growing up in a crowded North London suburb, Stefan discovered cycling early on—a gateway to freedom, independence and joy. As a teenager, he was drawn to track and road racing, which helped him manage undiagnosed ADHD and sparked a lifelong love of all things cycling. Stefan qualified for his Bikeability L2AICT qualification in February and regularly goes the extra mile (literally), often travelling some distance to ensure courses are delivered in full.
He has now found his true vocation—empowering young riders and sharing his knowledge, experience and passion for cycling. Thank you Stefan!
Stefan won a year’s membership to Cycling UK.
School of the Year
Winner: Cold Harbour CofE Primary School
From balance bikes in Reception to Bikeability in Years 5 and 6, Cold Harbour ensures every child can ride confidently and safely, no matter their background or ability. They run “Big Bike Breakfasts,” “Bike & Brew” parent sessions, and even loan bikes to children without access. Cold Harbour are keen to encourage cycling for safety, health and experience, equipping pupils with valuable skills for life. It’s a true cycling culture and it shows – the school has even had to build new sheds to accommodate all the cycles!
They won 4x Squish balance bikes + helmets.
Family of the Year
Winner: The Ward Family
The Ward family are the heart of the Two Mile Ash School Bike Bus in Milton Keynes, which sees over 30 children riding together every Friday morning. Jonathan and Helen, together with their sons Joseph and Finley, are always the first to arrive—whatever the weather—and bring fantastic spirit to every ride. Their eldest son has completed Bikeability Levels 1 & 2, and as a family they regularly cycle the many brilliant routes around Milton Keynes.
The Wards won £500 from us plus NatWest Rooster Money cards for the kids.
“It’s a pleasant surprise be recognised for something we’ve genuinely enjoyed doing together — cycling around Milton Keynes. Thank you to Bikeability and everyone involved in promoting safer, more enjoyable cycling. We’re proud to be a small part of it.”
The Wards, Family of the Year 2025
Small Organisation of the Year
Winner: East Riding of Yorkshire Council Road Safety Team
Despite being a small team of eight part-time instructors, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Road Safety Team delivers big results. Funded entirely through grants and income generation, they trained over 2,300 children in Bikeability Levels 1–3 and Learn to Ride last year alone. In just six months, the team also delivered immersive road safety training to over 2,600 secondary school pupils, increasing their cycling ability and confidence. Inclusivity is central to their work, reaching SEND learners, refugee groups, and home-educated pupils, showing that cycling truly is for everyone.
They won 2x Tour of Britain hospitality tickets courtesy of British Cycling.
Large Organisation of the Year
Winner: Islington Council
In 2024/25, Islington trained more than 2,000 children and over 600 adults — all while delivering nearly 1,800 inclusive cycling experiences through innovative participation programmes. From elderly and all-ability cycling to social prescribing schemes and women’s-only rides, Islington is breaking down barriers and ensuring every resident, whatever their age, background or ability, can feel the freedom of cycling.
They won 4x Velodrome experience tickets, courtesy of National Cycling Centre.
Young Cyclist of the Year (Pete Rollings Award)
Winner: Ezra-Zion Gooch
At just 9 years old, Ezra-Zion has already taken part in several long rides to raise money for charity, including nearly 700km in eight days across Belgium and Holland. He also cycles to school every day (in all weathers) and his involvement with Bikeability is inspiring others. Some of his friends have started riding more after seeing his enthusiasm and support for the Bike Bus – great work Ezra-Zion!
He won a brand new cycle from Frog Bikes.
“Everyone should really consider cycling more!”
Ezra-Zion Gooch, Young Cyclist of the Year 2025
Personal Achievement Award
Winner: Mohammed Dawud Ali
Mohammed founded North Manchester Community Cycling Club to bring cycling opportunities to an area with little access. Motivated by the desire to learn, Mohammed began his journey eight years ago by learning to cycle from scratch! After becoming a trained ride leader and mechanic, he set up the Cycling Club with the aim of offering inclusive cycling opportunities for all.
His work expanded through partnerships with Cycling UK and Transport for Greater Manchester, and Mohammed now supports hundreds of people to gain confidence, skills and independence through inclusive, community-focused cycling.
Mohammed won a £200 Freewheel voucher, courtesy of our partners Madison.
People’s Champion Award
Winner: Kevin Payton
Based in the West Midlands, Kevin has dedicated over five decades to cycling – from his first club rides with Stourbridge CC at 13, to coaching, racing, and now 13 years delivering Bikeability in Dudley. Kevin gives it his all, ensuring bikes are fit for purpose and regularly going above and beyond repairing those falling short, often at personal cost. His patience, creativity and belief that every child can succeed have made him a true hero in the saddle.
Kevin won a £150 voucher, courtesy of our partners Decathlon UK.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Jacqui Wilcox
Having started as a volunteer ride leader helping those with mental health issues to get free air and gentle exercise, Jacqui has spent over 15 years championing cycling in the South West. From instructor to tutor to Training Manager, she’s supported thousands to discover the joy of cycling.
Jacqui has helped grow Bikeability, uplifted inclusive cycling, and continues inspiring others even in retirement – thank you for all your hard work!
She won a £100 cycling voucher on us!
“It was a lovely surprise to be nominated for this award, let alone win!
The awards demonstrate just what Bikeability training is all about and what can be achieved such as confidence, independence and an alternative way to travel leading to many opportunities.”
Jacqui Wilcox, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 2025
Watch the awards
Some fantastic presenters announced this year’s awards, including Sophie Capewell MBE, Chris Boardman CBE, TV presenter Nigel Clarke, and even a cycling cat! (What?!) You can watch all the videos of the announcements below.
You can also find out more about the Celebration of Bikeability here – and watch this space for your chance to enter for the 2026 awards!
