Liverpool Fit for Me health ambassador and ride leader for Cycle of Life, Naheed Tahir only began cycling during lockdown and since then she has reaped the rewards. Now a ride leader she has become a role model for her family and her community. 

Naheed Tahir said…

"When caring for someone your life revolves around them and it's difficult for those around you to understand how lonely and isolating this can be. That was until I took up cycling.

"I come from a diverse Asian community who do not see riding a bike as something grown women do. I overcame this and followed my heart. I took my sons cycle and ventured outside during the quiet streets of lockdown. It felt so natural. Cycling has helped me clear my mind. It gives me that sense of freedom not achieved by any other activity as well as the improvement to my mental and physical wellbeing. I also joined a cycling group which helped me to achieve distances that I could only dream of.

Cycling has helped me clear my mind. It gives me that sense of freedom not achieved by any other activity as well as the improvement to my mental and physical wellbeing

Naheed Tahir

"I made new friends and have become a cycle leader leading group rides. Encouraging others to cycle and seeing them experience the benefits I have is very rewarding. That sense of achievement when I first see an adult I’ve taught to cycle on their own is truly amazing for both learner and teacher.

"I have managed to persuade my husband to cycle too. At the age of sixty and a wobbly start he is now experiencing the beauty of cycling as well as enjoying some much needed ‘couple’ time away from a stressful lifestyle of caring and working.

"Finally, I believe I am a role model to my daughters, one of whom has limited mobility. She has reaped the rewards of cycling on an adapted bike, giving her independence and confidence. I want to continue empowering people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Cycling has given my family, friends and community a new bonding experience as well as a renewed lease of life away from the worries of what's going on in the world."

Nominated by…

Naheed was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by several people, this is what they said.

Jane Davies said: "Since joining Cycle of Life Naheed has always made sure she makes it to as many rides as she can. Even though she was new to cycling when joining the group, she has always motivated and encouraged others with her determination and can do attitude! Naheed has been open with the group about her past traumas and how cycling has helped her anxiety and PTSD. I think her journey is truly inspirational and will allow more women to feel comfortable sharing their own stories and hopefully find healing through cycling."

Even though she was new to cycling when joining the group, she has always motivated and encouraged others with her determination and can do attitude

Jane Davies

Shireen Tahir said: "Naheed is an inspirational Liverpool Fit for Me Health Ambassador. Naheed’s passion for being active through cycling has led her to be a volunteer cycle leader for her cycling group in Liverpool, Cycle of Life. She has patiently taught ladies from ethnic minorities in her community to ride a cycle, breaking down barriers for those lacking confidence and fearful that, as adults they would not have the skills to learn to ride to bicycle. Naheed believes everyone, no matter their background or ability, can learn to ride a bicycle. 

"Naheed’s efforts have been paramount in getting her disabled daughter to learn to cycle on a specially adapted bicycle which was a dream come true for her daughter. This has not only reduced the isolation her daughter felt from being left out, but has also given her an activity to help improve her physical and mental wellbeing. Naheed is now going to be volunteering with a local charity and hopes to encourage other adults who would otherwise not be able to cycle to be able to use adapted bicycles to get active. Naheed has been part of Cycling UK’s campaign to break the cycle of social isolation. She has also been part of Liverpool City Regions promotions to encourage cycling in the city. 

"Naheed is an inspiration to all those around her and she has helped and supported people of all ages and backgrounds to take up cycling and develop a love for staying active. She is extremely passionate about providing opportunities for those from seldom heard groups to learn to cycle."