Testimonials

How did TandEM impact you?

‘The course boosted my confidence in teaching beginners how to cycle, covering everything from logistics to smooth implementation.’ 

Gitanjali, Luxembourg

‘The course gave us a lot of tools and knowledge to plan sessions and to empathise with women who don't know how to cycle. Before the course I didn't know how to teach someone how to balance or pedal on a bike or how to ride safely in a group.’ 

Giulia, Sligo

‘The cycle repair session was very empowering! It is hard to put in words but there is a different aspect of confidence that I ride a bike with now.’ 

Padmavathy, Berlin

‘The experience of leading a group ride was incredibly rewarding because it tested my ability to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively with participants, and make quick decisions to ensure everyone's safety. It was also empowering to see the confidence and camaraderie build among the participants as we navigated the city together.’ 

Antonella, Bari

‘The shared experience about the difficulties we face in our countries - this gives the feeling of belonging to a group that is there for you and is motivated to help, protect and support.’ 

Margarita, Sofia

‘Realising we are all dealing with similar obstacles, made me feel less alone and more determined to help other women to start cycling.’ 

Lucie, Prague

‘I didnt think I had the skills to teach cycling, but the course allowed me to think it was possible, to see how, to look for other resources, to try myself in doing it in a decent way, motivated me in going on between learning and teaching.’ 

Anna, Milan

‘It was very important and inspiring to become part of this community and become more aware of what women and girls on bikes face. So I can think more about how I can play a part in breaking down those barriers.’ 

Pavla, Broumov

‘When one student, a beginner, managed to pedal, that was one of the best moments - seeing how proud she was, how she now wants to teach her sons and daughter, was really beautiful and fulfilling. Her determination, great attitude and courage has been one of my major motivators to continue.’ 

Juliana, Brussels

‘The professional level of the course and its connection with an institution such as EIT Urban Mobility gave me a greater feeling of legitimacy and authority in engaging with other women.’ 

Marta, Lisbon

Testimonials

‘Fabiola, a young woman who rode her bike very slowly and fearfully during the first session, by the last session was confidently speeding through the city with a smile, feeling free and powerful. Today, Fabiola is proving to be a valuable support for the upcoming cycling initiatives we are organizing.’ 

Antonella, Bari

‘During the training, a participant who hadn’t cycled in 12 years rediscovered her love of cycling and was very motivated to get a bicycle for herself. She recently had a baby girl and she wants to pass down her love for cycling to her daughter, when the time comes.’  

Giulia, Sligo

‘One woman shared that after becoming a mother 10 years ago, this was the first thing she was doing just for herself—not for her kids, work, or partner. Another woman, a housewife, said she eagerly awaited the sessions because they made her feel like she was learning to fly.’  

Gitanjali, Luxembourg

‘A woman who attended the bike mechanics workshop mentioned that the course helped her to feel more confident by knowing how to repair a flat tire and other basic mechanics. Before, she was afraid to go outside the city alone by bike, and after the course she did. She also mentioned she feels safer in the streets after attending the traffics rules session.’ 

Juliana, Brussels

‘The greatest impact has been for the women to get to know each other, to share experiences and find a sense of community, through connecting with other women and realising the challenges they face are at the end quite similar. The group chat we have created is still active and some of the girls are now organising things (bike related) to hang out with each other.’ 

Marta, Lisbon

Perceptions

Prior to the programme, less than 50% of participants felt confident riding a bicycle. 

After the programme, over 90% now feel more confident riding a bicycle.

Behaviour change

Prior to the programme, 40% of participants were using a bicycle for transportation (work, school, groceries, etc.) . 

After the programme, over 70% are now using a bicycle for transportation (work, school, groceries, etc.)

Impact

90% of participants state that have benefited from using a bicycle more often (through, for example, time saved, money saved, improved health, or new source of income)