May 18, 2017

#BIKEYGEES: Cycling against isolation

tags:	##BIKEYGEES e.V., #Berlin, #CO2-free, #cycling, #empowerment of women, #female refugees, #refugee women
located:	Germany
by:	Deniz Zehra Tavli

Annette Krüger and Anne Seebach from Berlin believe that cycling is a basic way of (re)gaining individual mobility and ensuring independence for refugees and newcomers. Women in particular need this support. Many newly arrived women feel isolated in their accommodations and have to walk in order to get from A to B in an unknown urban landscape. Cycling is an easy and free way to explore their new environment without depending on the costy option of public transport.

In 2015 the idea of founding #BIKEYGEES e.V. was created by the two women. The association is a comprehensive approach that aims to share empowerment, independence, CO2-neutral transport, fresh air, exercise, joy, and mutual success stories with its volunteers and participants. The founders' goal was to create a safe space for refugee women who did not only loose their homes but also their mobility and independence. The team organizes free bike trainings every third Sunday of a month at the Wassertorplatz in Berlin-Kreuzberg as well as traffic education in Farsi, Arabic, Kurdish, English and German.

This great project combines physical activity, relaxation, and active use of a newly acquired language for female refugees and is thus contributing to the integration of a highly marginalized group of migrants. The common goal fosters a sense of community and friendship among the newly arrived ones and local volunteers. Support this inspiring idea with a donation, volunteer for them or like and share their contents in your circles!