For Atlanta’s Refugee Women’s Network, cycling classes offered by Propel ATL delivered more than just a good time. They were a lifeline to independence and self-sufficiency.

“Most of us do not have a car,” said Seema, a native of Afghanistan. “It’s very good to have a bike and ride a bike."

Throughout the season, which lasted from March through October, 17 women participated in our monthly classes, resulting in 10 graduates who received their own bikes from Global Spokes to take home and continue their newfound love of cycling. 

During a group ride through Decatur’s Legacy Park, we met with participants and instructors to hear their perspectives and experiences.

Temple Moore, right, speaks with a cycling class participant. Photo: Marjon Manitius

Fatima, participant 

Country of Origin: Afghanistan

What motivated you to join the bike safety class? 

Since I was a kid, I have always liked to bike, but in my country, when girls pass a certain age, they are not supposed to ride because that is not a part of our culture. When I heard about this program, I loved to learn how to ride a bike because it was a dream since I was a kid, and this was a really good opportunity to learn to ride a bike. 

What was your favorite part of class? 

The whole program was my favorite part.

How has participating in class affected your daily life? 

When I bike, I can feel independent. I can enjoy it when I am alone, to get out in society on my bike. 

Seema, second from right, celebrates with her classmates. Photo: Temple Moore

Seema, participant

Country of Origin: Afghanistan

What motivated you to join the bike safety class? 

I didn’t feel confident in Afghanistan [because] back home, riding a bike is taboo. Women are not allowed to ride a bike, but here, I found it, fortunately, and I joined it here. 

Before participating, what challenges or concerns did you have about cycling? 

Lots of challenges when I came here. [Fortunately], I found a community like the Refugee Women’s Network and someone who supports bike orgs that fuel confidence and freedom. 

If you were talking to another refugee woman who had not tried cycling, would you tell them to join this class? 

For sure! I encourage all women to come here and learn how to ride a bike. [Learning] how to bike is very important for your confidence and also your independence. Most of us do not have a car. It’s very good to have a bike and ride a bike. 

Temple Moore, Program Director at Refugee Women’s Network

In your view, why is it important for organizations like Refugee Women’s Network to partner with organizations like Propel ATL to offer this kind of bike-safety education? 

I believe it’s incredibly important for us to partner with organizations that champion all Atlantans and prioritize diversity, equity, and sustainable living. For our participants in the Outdoor Wellness Program, meeting other women of color who are leaders in biking and outdoor spaces is powerful. It offers them representation and a sense of belonging, and it also helps break down barriers between different communities in Atlanta. When big names in the outdoor and sustainability space recognize the contributions of refugee women, it fosters tighter bonds and a greater understanding. In the end, it makes Atlanta a safer and more inclusive place for everyone.

Have you noticed any changes in your community of women regarding bicycling or bike safety since you started this program? If so, what changes? 

Since we started the program three years ago, I’ve noticed a real shift in our community of women. There’s a new level of eagerness, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning something like biking, which can feel daunting as an adult. In particular, I’ve seen Afghan women really embrace biking as a form of freedom and play—something they couldn’t do as little girls. It’s been powerful to see their engagement and how committed they are to safety—wearing helmets, lights, and reflective vests without hesitation. Overall, I’ve just seen a stronger sense of commitment and a lot more organization and effectiveness thanks to having professional instructors from Propel this year. 

Students and instructors prepare for their group ride at the conclusion of the class series. Photo: Marjon Manitius

Marjon Manitius, Propel ATL Instructor

What motivated you to instruct with the RWN? 

It’s an amazing group of women. How shall I describe them? Very smart, very outgoing. They really enjoy what they are learning. . . .When everyone arrived to class, they said “OK, let’s go” so they were actually teaching each other a bit because we had been teaching [them] ABCs (checking the air, brakes, and chain on bikes), so they would become the instructors for a little bit, and then there were new women as well…  They were definitely motivated, so for me, that was the joy of coming back and the reason I really enjoyed teaching them multiple times. 

Month after month, these women committed to learning a new skill. What did they teach you? 

I think they already mentioned [at the RWN Celebration event] that they were so brave, and you know, there was really no challenge [too] big for them. I think what they have overcome in their life so far is [huge]. I could also see that for them, biking was about freedom, which I always say, because coming from [The Netherlands], it gives freedom to kids.

Kimerie Swift, Propel ATL Instructor

What motivated you to instruct with the RWN? 

I really appreciated the programming that was women-specific. This program was leaning in to refugees in particular, so people who had come here and were trying to find community and still embracing their own culture, and being able to do so while being active is really important. 

Month after month, these women committed to learning a new skill. What did they teach you? 

It was really cool to see people coming from all different areas [and being] able to work together. Being able to get outside of our boxes and our boundaries and understanding that humanity in itself is culture, and just being able to embrace that, I think, was a beautiful thing to watch with them and the way they worked together through that.