Women on Wheels Launch Inclusive Cycling Hub in Govanhill

Last Friday, new community organisation, Women on Wheels, held their launch event at Govanhill Workspace. We heard from founder Shgufta Anwar about how she hopes to dismantle the barriers preventing women from cycling

Women on Wheels was set up by Shgufta Anwar, as an organisation designed and led by women to get women back on a bike or get them on a bike for the very first time. Shgufta explains why she set up the scheme:

“I took up cycling as an adult in a Muslim Women’s charity. I experienced so much joy and I was extremely lucky to pass that joy onto many other women. I have now worked in a white male dominated cycling “world” for near a decade and I have loved every minute of it. I understand the barriers a woman, particularly a BAME and women of colour experiences and how I overcame them. Women on Wheels was set up to help relieve barriers for women as part of a inclusive community hub that caters for, led and run by women.”

One of the principal aims for Women on Wheels is to help in dismantling the barriers that face women so that they can reap the rewards of cycling. Saving money on transport, an improvement of physical and mental health, and a sense of community are just some of the benefits of getting on a bike. Women on Wheels will deliver cycle lessons, lead rides, run maintenance classes and hold lots of inspirational events to get even those women who are on the fence about cycling on a saddle.

The launch event saw many members of the local community come down to the new cycling hub to go out on a ride led by Women on Wheels, cycling lessons, or getting their bike serviced. “Lots of cakes and samosas were eaten” says Shgufta. It was the first time Women on Wheels have used their new hub which Shgufta describes as “a lovely little space and I have found it great so far. Govanhill Community Development Trust are super helpful in trying to accommodate us in the best way possible”.

The launch event also offered participants to get their bike marked and registered for free. Bike register marks your bike with a unique code that means it is easily identifiable if it has been stolen. It also works as a deterrent for thieves.

Women on Wheels have now released their weekly schedule for all the activities they will be offering. Find out about their services and other details through their website: womenonwheels.org.uk