Celebrating our 2026 Bikeability winners
The annual awards, which are announced across our social media channels, celebrate the people who make Bikeability a success.
August 5, 2026
Welcome back to our annual Bikeability awards! On Friday 17 July 2026, we recognised the inspiring instructors, tenacious trainees and super cyclists that help make Bikeability so brilliant.
Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winners – find out more about them in our rundown below!
Instructor of the Year
Winner: Natalie Judson
Natalie’s passion for cycling, inclusion and helping others shines through everything she does. As an autistic, biracial woman, Natalie understands the importance of creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong. She works tirelessly to make cycling accessible for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages, from children discovering cycling for the first time to adults who may never have had the opportunity to ride.
Through her work delivering Bikeability across Newcastle and North Tyneside, Natalie has helped thousands of learners build confidence, independence and skills that can last a lifetime. Thank you Natalie!
Natalie won a Ridgeback Motion bike and Lazer sport helmet.
“Bikeability has never just been about teaching people to ride; it’s about connection — meeting people from every background, age, and culture, and helping them find confidence and freedom on a bike.”
Natalie Judson, Bikeability Instructor of the Year 2026
Young Cyclist of the Year (Pete Rollings Award)
Winner: Nevaeh Wesson
When Nevaeh started her Bikeability journey, she had never owned or ridden a bike. Despite feeling nervous about trying something new, Nevaeh approached every challenge with determination. She progressed from her first Bikeability sessions all the way through to Level 2, refusing to give up even when things felt difficult.
Through cycling, Nevaeh has grown in confidence and self-belief, with the ambition to become road safe and cycle to secondary school when she starts in 2028.
Nevaeh won a brand new Batch Bicycles children’s cycle.
Family of the Year
Winner: The Popplewell Family
Cycling is at the heart of the Popplewell family’s life. They use their bikes as their main way of getting around locally, support other families to start cycling, and actively champion cycling through local groups and their school PTA.
From everyday journeys to bigger adventures, cycling gives the family precious time together and a shared sense of freedom, fun and connection.
The Popplewells won £500 courtesy of The Bikeability Trust, plus Natwest Rooster Money cards for the children.
“We hope our story encourages other families to give cycling a go—you don’t have to ride far or fast to make wonderful memories together”
The Popplewells, Family of the Year 2026
Rising Star Award
Winner: Louise Newham
Louise has quickly established herself as an outstanding member of the Bikeability community, impressing colleagues, learners and our judging panel with her enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to making cycling accessible for everyone.
Although still early in her career, Louise has embraced every opportunity to develop her skills, support learners and build confidence in those taking part in Bikeability training. Her positive attitude, willingness to go above and beyond, and genuine passion for helping others have already made a lasting impression.
Louise won a Beeline Velo 2 navigation device.
School of the Year
Winner: Two Mile Ash School
Two Mile Ash School in Milton Keynes places cycling at the heart of its community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop confidence, independence and a love of active travel.
Through inclusive provision, curriculum integration and strong community links, cycling has become a shared experience for pupils, families and staff alike.
Congratulations to everyone at Two Mile Ash School! They won a fleet of four Squish Bikes 14” balance bikes and four helmets.
“Bikeability is much more than just a training programme for our school. It gives our pupils essential life skills, builds their confidence, and teaches them how to navigate roads safely.”
Two Mile Ash School, School of the Year 2026
Small Organisation of the Year
Winner: The Canterbury Bike Project
The Canterbury Bike Project team works tirelessly to break down the barriers preventing children from cycling, delivering Bikeability training at no cost to schools or parents and providing bikes and helmets to every school they work with.
This year, they have gone even further by creating an inclusive cycling provision featuring 15 adaptive bikes, allowing more children with different needs to experience the confidence, freedom and joy of cycling.
Their free monthly learn to ride sessions are making a huge impact, with every place regularly filled within minutes of being advertised.
They won a £200 Freewheel voucher.
Large Organisation of the Year
Winner: Milton Keynes City Council
Milton Keynes City Council is proud to deliver Pedal Power, bringing Bikeability cycle training to communities across the area. Their passionate team works tirelessly to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn to ride confidently and safely before leaving primary school.
They’re also strongly committed to inclusion, with tailored programmes for SEND schools, inclusive cycle training pathways and supportive weekly rides. Beyond training, they continue to champion cycling throughout Milton Keynes through community activities, events and initiatives that bring people together.
They won a £200 Freewheel voucher.
“Bikeability for me is a fundamental stepping stone in a child’s life. I believe that all children should be taught to ride a bike without any barriers preventing them in doing so.”
The Canterbury Bike Project, Small Organisation of the Year 2026
Personal Achievement Award
Winner: Warren Clark
Living with autism, learning disabilities, scoliosis, dyspraxia and ME, Warren had not ridden a bike for around 15 years. When he decided to return to cycling, he faced challenges along the way, including falls and setbacks, but refused to give up.
Through perseverance and hard work, Warren taught himself to balance and ride again, eventually achieving his goal of becoming a qualified Bikeability Instructor. He hopes to establish a Wheels for All centre in East Surrey, supporting people with disabilities to experience the benefits of adapted cycling. Amazing work, Warren.
Warren won a £100 cycling voucher courtesy of the Bikeability Trust.
“Bikeability has changed my life. It gets me out in the fresh air, has tremendously improved my balance, and I love going into the schools helping teach my skills to the children. I would say to anyone thinking of starting Bikeability, you will not regret your decision.”
Warren Clark (first on left), Personal Achievement Award 2026
People’s Champion Award
Winner: St Luke’s CofE First School
After receiving over 200 votes from the public, St Luke’s CofE First School are your People’s Champion 2026!
At St Luke’s, cycling is embedded into school life from the very beginning, from daily access to balance bikes for the youngest pupils, to learn to ride sessions, Bikeability training, and more.
The school believes that learning to ride a cycle is an invaluable life skill, helping children develop independence, resilience and a lifelong love of cycling.
St Luke’s won a £150 voucher courtesy of Decathlon.
Lifetime Achievement Award (David Dansky Award)
Winner: Julie Turner
Julie has spent the last 28 years supporting cycling in East Yorkshire, including 25 years delivering cycle training and Bikeability to children, young people and adults.
Throughout her career, Julie has trained thousands of riders, mentored instructors and helped countless people discover the confidence and independence that cycling can bring. She’s also volunteered with British Cycling’s Breeze and Guided Rides programmes since 2012, leading more than 1,400 rides and supporting women and communities to cycle with confidence.
“Bikeability is the cornerstone that is essential to create a cycling culture for every generation, and I am immensely proud of its achievements and progress since its inception.”
Julie Turner, Lifetime Achievement Award (David Dansky Award) 2026
Watch the awards
Some fantastic presenters announced this year’s awards, including Dame Sarah Storey, Sir Chris Hoy, TV presenter Nigel Clarke, and famous cycling cat, Sigrid (plus her owner, Travis). 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 2027 awards!
