Cycling for migrants: self-confidence on two wheels!

Cycling for migrants: self-confidence on two wheels!

Cycling is not only a practical method of transport, but also a source of new joy in life and independence. This is demonstrated by the course “I’m learning to ride a bike!” in the Verden district, which was created specifically for migrant women. This is exactly where the city's equal opportunities officers, Dr. Katrin Packham and Helga Dunker-Güldenpenning for three years. The aim is to give women, who often neither learned to cycle nor had the opportunity to do so in their countries of origin, the necessary skills and to give them more mobility in everyday life. More on this topic Kreiszeitung reports.

The course is currently very popular. This year, twelve women from across the district took part in the course, showing an increase in the number of participants compared to previous years. Three years ago only six women started, while last year eight interested people had already registered. This time the offer was fully booked! The course includes around ten hours of practice, which take place on the district authority's parade ground. The course is led by, among others, Katja Brammer from the Verden/Osterholz police station, who also gives valuable tips on traffic rules. The effort to offer women more self-confidence goes hand in hand with practical traffic education.

Shared experiences and practical skills

The bicycles for the course come from the city of Verden and were carefully repaired by the participants in the ALV bicycle workshop project. Jens Traichel and his team have already explained the basics of maintaining and caring for the bikes. After completing the course, participants can not only take their own bike home, but also the associated knowledge.

Another plus point: After successful completion, participants not only receive their own bike, but also a helmet, a backpack equipped with a repair kit, as well as informative documents and a certificate of participation. An all-round successful package that the recipients will certainly appreciate.

One of the participants, 19-year-old Nesir, has already taken her first steps into cycling and emphasized that she was initially afraid, but ultimately enjoyed the joy of riding. Such positive reports show how important the initiative is and how it can enrich women's lives.

A look into the future

Demand for the course continues unabated and there is already a waiting list for the next round, which is expected to take place in summer 2026. This shows not only the need, but also the enormous interest in less mobile solutions in everyday life. In a year in which the climate discussion is more present than ever, cycling attracts with its many advantages: it is environmentally friendly, easy on the wallet and ensures fitness and balance.

The project is carried out in cooperation with the district sports association and other partners, all of whom contribute their part to the implementation. The commitment of those involved cannot be overlooked and gives hope that such courses can reach even wider circles in the future. You can also find out more about the learning content from Integrationslotsenteam, which offers comprehensive information about the course.

Overall, the “I'm learning to ride a bike” course is an excellent example of how integration and practical life help can go hand in hand, while at the same time conveying joy and mobility. Hopefully many more women can benefit from this great initiative.