Empower Her Ride
Vicsport Article – Published Thu 31 Jul 2025
An initiative called Empower Her Ride has enhanced cycling access for multicultural women in Maribyrnong City Council, providing essential bike-handling skills and safe riding practices while fostering a sense of community and self-confidence for women from diverse cultural backgrounds.
A collaboration between Council, the Community Bike Hub and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, a pilot was held in 2023 with ten participants. On the back of its success, as well as additional funding secured through the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program, 14 women took part last year.
“The Community Bike Hub has a long history of working with, and providing bikes for, migrant groups and we are passionate about removing barriers to cycling,” said Amy McArthur, Operations Manager at Local Impact whose programs include the Community Bike Hub.
Hosted at a dedicated traffic school, Empower Her Ride was run in a controlled environment that minimised distractions and safety concerns. The goal at the conclusion of the six-week initiative was to empower the women to utilise cycling as a viable mode of transport in addition to being an option for exercise and leisure. Participants also learned about local bike trails and upon completing the program, were gifted a bike and helmet which helped remove barriers for ongoing participation.
🚴❤️ Image above: Brimbank Traffic School – Empower Her Ride 2024
