Licensed behavioral therapist Iresha Picot has built a community around self-care through her weekly Black Girl Joy Bike Rides in Philadelphia. Since 2023, Black women gather every week for guided 4-5 mile cycling journeys through the city. The rides focus on joy, community, and helping Black women prioritize their own needs.
Picot, known as “da hood therapist” on social media, created something bigger than she ever imagined. The weekly rides have grown into a movement that addresses both physical and mental health needs. Her mission centers on helping Black women combat stress-related diseases through outdoor activity and sisterhood.
Weekly Black Girl Joy Bike Rides Build Community and Combat Stress
“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.” The bike rides create a dedicated space for Black women to focus on their wellbeing.
The guided rides take participants on scenic routes through Philadelphia neighborhoods. Each journey becomes an opportunity for women to connect both on and off their bikes. The outdoor activity provides peaceful moments away from daily stressors and responsibilities.
Participants describe the experience as transformative for their mental health. One rider enjoys “being around other Black and Brown women having self-care for each other.” Another participant noted how riding with the group makes the “bad things” about the city “beautiful.”
Licensed Therapist Uses Cycling as Tool for Mental Health and Self-Care
Picot brings professional expertise as a licensed behavioral therapist to her cycling advocacy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Education and Post-Graduate work in Women Studies from Temple University. Her background helps her understand the unique mental health challenges facing Black women.
The Virginia native lost touch with cycling when she moved to Philadelphia 13 years ago to begin her therapy career. COVID-19 lockdowns reignited her passion for bikes as a stress-relief tool. She recognized cycling’s potential to address mental health needs in her community.
Picot combines her therapeutic knowledge with cycling to create healing spaces. Her approach addresses both individual wellness and community building. The rides demonstrate how physical activity can support mental health recovery and resilience.
Bike Access Programs Remove Barriers for Underserved Communities
The Black Girl Joy Bike Ride ensures accessibility through partnerships with local bike-sharing programs. Indego Bikes and Philly Bikes provide bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis for riders without bikes. This approach removes financial barriers that might prevent participation.
Picot received a substantial community grant from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to expand access further. Over the next two years, she plans to gift 24 Black women their own bicycles. The grant recognizes her work addressing equity issues in cycling for historically 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,” Picot said. The grant funding makes trails “more welcoming, accessible and fun” for participants who typically face barriers to outdoor recreation.
Special Rides Celebrate Culture and Community Heritage
The group organizes special themed rides throughout the year to celebrate Black culture and history. On June 19, participants gathered for the Juneteenth Black Girl Joy Bike Ride in North Philadelphia. The women met at 33rd and Diamond before heading out on the legendary boxers’ trail.
“It was a hot one but also a good one,” Picot reflected on the Juneteenth ride turnout. These special events combine fitness with cultural celebration and education. The rides help participants explore Philadelphia’s Black history while building community connections.
The themed rides demonstrate how cycling can serve multiple purposes beyond exercise. They create opportunities for learning, celebration, and deeper community engagement. Each special ride strengthens the bonds between participants while honoring their shared heritage.
Growing Movement Inspires Sisterhood and Self-Advocacy
The Black Girl Joy Bike Ride continues expanding as more women discover the community. Every week, a growing group of Black women gathers for something simple yet life-changing. The rides prove that small acts of self-care can create significant community impact.
Participants build lasting friendships that extend beyond the weekly rides. The connections formed during cycling adventures provide ongoing support networks. Women encourage each other to maintain healthy habits and prioritize their wellbeing throughout the week.
Picot’s model demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can address complex health disparities. Her work shows that community-led wellness programs can effectively reach underserved populations. The success of Black Girl Joy Bike Ride may inspire similar programs in other cities across the country.
