Micromobility operator Bird teamed up with the Saheli Hub, a Birmingham-based charity supporting 1,800 women take-up sport and physical activity, for a ‘TRY-ATHON’ and TRYIT! sports day.
The aim was to get more women in the region to take part in a Triathlon and to try a selection of other sports.
To support the all-female sports day, Bird provided five e-bikes and gave away 50 helmets so that participants could practice their skills and build confidence.
Bird is committed to providing eco-friendly transport in the West Midlands and is an advocate for women’s mobility.
“All operators need to focus on bridging the gender mobility gap,” Bird’s Head of UK & IE Policy and Partnerships, Victoria Springthorpe, told Zag Daily.
“At Bird we know from our 400 cities globally that micromobility provides a huge opportunity for women, not only to increase their mobility but also for health, wellbeing and safety, especially when getting home safely later at night – I speak from experience!
“We have worked with transport officials and women’s groups from Tel Aviv to Canterbury and now in Birmingham, but we must all work harder to stop looking at Micromobility through a white, male lens and enable all community groups the opportunity to build confidence and access this transport.”
Rooted in a community empowerment model, the Saheli Hub operates from inner-city wellbeing hubs, GP surgeries and neighbourhood parks in Birmingham.
It was founded by Naseem Akhtar BEM who was labelled a ‘Hometown Hero’ at the recent Commonwealth Games.
“The success of the Commonwealth Games and the Lionesses makes this a unique moment and opportunity to rapidly increase the take-up of women’s sport across the West Midlands,” said Akhtar. “We are proud to work with Bird on the ‘TRY-ATHON’ sports day because we know Bird shares our vision of more sustainable and active travel in the region.”
The event took place on Sunday 14th August at Calthorpe Park, Birmingham, next to Saheli Hub’s community centre base.
