Introducing: Stefan Johnson

Where are you from: Jamaica

Where do you live: East London, UK

Socials: @sjcycleslondon

We’re excited to welcome Stefan Johnson to the blog. A lifelong East Londoner and passionate cyclist, Stefan turned his love for two wheels into SJ Cycles — a thriving business built on skill, perseverance, and a mission to inspire the next generation. His story is one of resilience, representation, and the pure joy of riding.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Stefan Johnson. I was born and raised in East London and have been cycling since 2011. I studied Motor Vehicle Engineering in college, but I commuted by bike to stay fit, save money and get around London fast. So naturally, I grew and became a bicycle mechanic and started a business called SJ Cycles. 

What do you love about cycling?

I loved the sense of freedom and speed when riding around the city and became interested in how different types of bikes worked. From then on, I was hooked. I ride fixed gear, road, gravel, folding and cargo bikes.

What barriers have you faced in cycling?

I never envisioned being an entrepreneur, but through the constant mistreatment and racial discrimination under different leaderships in the bicycle industry which became a pattern as a young black man. I decided to go independent to pursue my passion without sacrificing my humanity. Not long after that, I was having a conversation with a friend and said, “If I had a business, I would call it SJ Cycles” in 2017. I did not believe I could do it, especially being dyslexic; however, God believed in me more. So I got to work, and have been open for 8 years running. 

Why were you interested in contributing?

To help provide opportunities to get young, underprivileged people like myself on bikes and also be a representation of the man I would love to see and be around when I was a kid. Seeing someone live their passion in many ways that they didn't think were even possible.

If you're comfortable, tell us about your personal experience of diversity in cycling

Starting cycling in 2011, there wasn't much representation as a whole, so you did stand out like a black sheep (quite literally). However, starting with the fixed gear scene made things a bit easier, as you saw different types of people from different backgrounds, and just having fun bikes. Now, however, I've seen a lot of progression, especially within the road scene, and it's pretty much normal to see another person like myself, which was rare back when I started.

Your fondest memory on the bike?

Flowing through the city streets like you're riding through a wave or exploring places I've never been before. Being in the moment.