Kamar's Story

I’ve always been into cycling from a very young age. I started cycling at the age of 3.

As I was growing up I’ve tried so many bikes, from road bikes and mountain bikes. But something about Brompton stole my heart - I absolutely fell in love with it.

I stopped for a while when I was in my late 20s because of my confidence. Back then, I didn’t feel comfortable or safe riding a bike on the roads.

But then, at the beginning of lockdown, I started cycling again as I refused to take public transport.

As a key worker, I had to go to work. That’s when I fell in love with cycling, whether it was just being able to get around or to go on adventures, and four years on, I’m still cycling and have not stopped!

During lockdown, I did a lot of searching to see if there were other Muslim women riding bikes as I always thought I was the only one.

But, I found many women and Muslim women on bikes, which felt great and inspiring.

I just love the freedom my bike gives me - I love being outdoors.

I always find an excuse to get out even if it’s for shopping, meeting family or friends and meeting up with bike groups. And every time, my Brompton Bicycle is by my side.

I cycle to work and back during the week and go on amazing long adventures on the weekends or during the half-term.

I’ve done so many amazing rides – Windsor’s Castle, Box Hill or London to Brighton – and I've recently done 100 miles on my Brompton at the Ford Ride London, which I’m so proud of. I’ve also cycled aboard in Morocco and Dubai.

Cycling has helped me so much over the years, I actually call cycling my bike-therapy.

Cycling just helps me clear my head, get out of the house and explore new places. It has definitely helped me with my mental health issues and gives me freedom.