British cargo bike delivery company Zedify is hosting a careers event with sustainable transport agency Loud Mobility to encourage more women to join its workforce.
Taking place on 26 September at Zedify’s Hoxton depot in London, the event will be a series of interactive bike workshops and personal safety learning sessions for women to learn the basic mechanics of a cargo bike and how to ride with confidence.
The aim of the event is to empower women in the UK to consider a career in cargo bike couriering. Currently, just 19% of logistics workers and 26% of the transport workforce are women.
“This event is one of our first major steps towards unlocking our riding roles for more women,” Zedify Brand Manager Rebecca Young told Zag Daily. “It’s all very well saying that we need more gender balance in our teams, but this is a tough nut to crack and we know words are not enough; we think a proactive, bold approach is needed if we’re to see real change.
“We’re hoping to get 10 trials booked off the back of the event, but most importantly we want to listen to women and build a positive momentum within logistics and cycling that get more brilliant women pedalling towards a better future for urban deliveries.”
Open to all, the event will hear from Zedify’s Manchester depot Assistant Manager Brittany Edgen who started out as a rider; Loud Mobility’s Georgia Yexley and Caz Conneller; as well as bicycle repair company Fettle’s Co-Founder Jeyda Heselton.
Data from Zedify shows that its gender balanced delivery teams perform better and are happier at work, and staff have reported in surveys that they want to work in more gender balanced teams.
Research from McKinsey finds that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile.
“Women are underrepresented in both the transport and logistics sector. Often there are very few strong role models and women don’t think it’s a job for them,” said Loud Mobility Director of Community and Culture, Caz Conneller. “When it comes to cargo bike riding roles this is compounded with women’s safety barriers to cycling, along with little understanding and experience of cargo bike riding here in the UK.
“We hope this partnership with Zedify will enable more women to come and try a cargo bike in a safe, supportive environment, access training and learn more about the career opportunities in what’s an exciting, fast growing sector. And the more women in these roles, the more role models we create to inspire others and address the gender disparity.
“The event is open to all, so if you are interested in exploring a career in cargo bike logistics, please sign up and come along on the night.”
