A free initiative designed to get former refugee and migrant women on bikes continues to take off in Ōtautahi, as women come together each week to learn and develop their cycling skills in a safe and nurturing environment.

The programme is called Bike Bridge and is for women - run by women.

It’s about giving women freedom to try something new, while building confidence in themselves and forming a connection with their community, as well as giving them the ability to move around the city freely.

Bike Bridge Programme Coordinator, Lois Hill says, “Many of us take the skill to ride a bike for granted, but many people from overseas, and especially women, have not been given this opportunity. They may also have limited or no access to a car.

“Cycling can offer a free and independent means of transport around the city, to access work, educational and social opportunities in the community,” she adds.

The programme initially started in 2019 as a one-off ‘Learn2Ride’ session for International Women’s Day; however with a great turnout, it was apparent that there was a demand for ongoing sessions – so, in acknowledgement to that, Bike Bridge was formed. 

It was first set up as a yearlong pilot project, through a collaborative effort between local biking organisations (LJ & Friends, Frocks on Bikes) and the Canterbury District Health Board. However, due to its continued success, Bike Bridge has now become long-term, and has evolved into a women for women project. 

It has also gained a new partner in the form of RAD Bikes who seek to empower the community to fix up bikes, and who are a great support with the programme’s bike stock. 

The lessons are run once a week during the warmer months of the year - October-December and Feb-March with variations in day and times across the year. 

Typically, the sessions are held in the car park at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Aidanfield, however the team are currently trialling a month of outreach sessions at Te Pou Toetoe, Linwood Pool during the month of February 2022. These sessions are held on Thursday evenings from 5-7pm, with the initiative returning to Ngā Puna Wai in March.

All equipment needed, including bikes and helmets, are provided; participants just need to wear closed toe shoes. 

As a result of the programme, participants now incorporate cycling into their daily lives with many women indicating it has become an enjoyable and heathy activity that they can do with their children. 

It has also been a great way to bring the multicultural community together.

“Our project also offers opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to connect and strengthen our multicultural community,” says Hill.

Those interested in heading along to one of the sessions don’t need to book – participants can just show up during the session times (it is also ok to arrive late or leave early). 

Hill also stresses that all levels of experience are welcome.

“We cater to all abilities, from those that have never sat on a bike before, to those that can already ride a bike and want to learn to ride safely on the road.”

Check out the Bike Bridge Facebook page for current session times and more info - Click here  

Article added: Monday 28 February 2022