Since 2023: what we have learned about teaching girls to ride

When we began in 2023, we had a handful of bicycles and one belief: every girl deserves to ride. Today, more than 300 girls and women have learned to ride with us. Eighteen have joined the Bangladesh Cycling Federation, six have won medals and twelve now work as delivery riders. Numbers are only part of the story, so here is what we have learned.

Confidence comes before skill

The hardest thing to teach is not balance or braking. It is belief. Once a girl believes she can, the rest follows. That is why we start with the bicycle beside her, not under her, and why we end every session on a success.

Women teaching women makes a difference

Many learners tell us they feel braver among women who understand them. Small groups, women instructors and a quiet practice ground remove the fear of being watched or judged, which writers on women’s mobility in Bangladesh identify as a real barrier.

A borrowed bicycle removes the biggest barrier

For many families, buying a bicycle for someone who might not stick with it is a big step. Letting learners borrow one for the whole training means cost is never the first barrier. Several learners have gone on to buy their own.

Small steps, repeated

The method we teach, scoot, glide, pedal, turn, signal, is the same one used by Cycling UK and by coaches worldwide. It works because it breaks something big into tiny steps. Praise for every step, rest between sessions and ending before frustration are not extras. They are the method.

Families change their minds when they see it

Time after time, a family that was hesitant at the start becomes proud when they see a daughter, sister or mother ride. A short demonstration, a parent watching a practice session or a shared ride can change an attitude faster than any argument.

A bicycle can lead anywhere

• Some riders just ride to school, the market or work, saving time and money.
• Some join the federation, train with coaches and race.
• Some become delivery riders and earn their own income.
• Some become instructors and teach the next group.

What we want to do next

• Reach more neighbourhoods and schools.
• Grow our community bicycle library.
• Support more riders into sport and work.
• Keep sharing what we know through this knowledge base.
• Keep listening to the girls and women we teach.

Join us

If you have ever wanted to ride, today is a good day to start. Read the five steps, come to a session and bring a friend. If you would like to support our work, lend or donate a bicycle, or tell someone about us.