Weekly Bike Rides Bring Joy to Black Women in Philly
Every week, a group of Black women in Philadelphia meet up to ride their bikes together. These guided rides, called the Black Girl Joy Bike Ride, are led by local mental health therapist and activist Iresha Picot, also known as the “Hood Therapist.”
The rides started in 2023 and have quickly grown into a powerful space for connection, healing, and joy. Each ride covers four to five miles across Philly, allowing the women to explore the city, get some fresh air, and focus on their well-being.
“As Black women, we’ve been conditioned to put everybody else’s needs before our own,” Picot told CBS Philadelphia. “A lot of us are dying from stress-related diseases, from preventable diseases.”
A Safe and Welcoming Space for Self-Care
The Black Girl Joy Bike Ride is more than exercise. It’s a chance for Black women to take care of themselves in a safe and joyful space. Many riders say the weekly meetups feel like therapy on wheels.
They talk, laugh, and support one another—something many say they don’t always find in their daily lives. One rider said she enjoys being around other Black and Brown women “having self-care for each other.” Another shared how the group makes even the “bad things” about the city feel beautiful.
Support for Riders Without Bikes
Worried about not having a bike? Picot has already thought of that. Through partnerships with Indego Bikes and Philly Bikes, some bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Even better, thanks to a community grant from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Picot plans to give 24 Black women brand-new bikes over the next two years. She announced the news on Instagram, thanking the council for making cycling more welcoming and fun for underserved communities.
“I’m grateful that I get to continue to be a vessel in addressing the equity issues in cycling for Black Women in Philly and actually being able to do something about it,” she wrote.
Celebrating Culture and Community on Juneteenth
One of the most memorable rides happened on Juneteenth 2024. The group gathered in North Philly at 33rd and Diamond and rode along the scenic Boxers’ Trail.
It was a hot day, but for Picot and the riders, it was full of good energy. She called it “a hot one but also a good one,” showing how these rides have grown into a celebration of community, culture, and freedom.
Why This Movement Matters
The Black Girl Joy Bike Ride is not just about riding. It’s about making joy, rest, and health a priority for Black women—something that’s long overdue.
Picot’s mission is simple but powerful: Help Black women reclaim their time, their health, and their joy. With every ride, she’s proving that healing doesn’t have to be quiet. Sometimes, it moves forward on two wheels.
