Maribyrnong council’s ‘Empower Her Ride’ program will return this November, after securing additional funding through a state government grant.
Council was one of 119 recipients of the ‘2023-24 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program’, which aims to inspire greater female participation in sports.
First trialled during the ‘Spring into Summer Series’ last year, council said the program was designed to address a need identified by the Asylum Resource Centre for programs to help women wanting to learn to ride a bike or gain more confidence on two wheels.
According to council, the pilot run as a collaborative effort between its Active Maribyrnong initiative and Maribyrnong Community Centre, attracted 10 participants.
Now hoping to expand the program, council said it will build on this by working with Wheel Women, a women-focused cycling group to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles through cycling.
Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said by recognising the diverse community of Maribyrnong, the program provides a safe and inclusive space for women from multicultural backgrounds to come together, learn to ride a bike, build confidence, and support each other.
“This initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage more women and girls to participate in sports and recreational activities they love,” she said.
