South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), this year spanning from July 18th to August 17th, is a month dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural tapestry, historical contributions, and contemporary achievements of the South Asian community in the UK.
This year, the theme "Free to Be Me” highlights the importance of embracing your true self and embodies the essence of self-expression and acceptance.
To mark the start of South Asian Heritage Month, the Sport and Recreation Alliance wanted to highlight the work of a community group embodying the theme every day and helping play sports and physical activity a more inclusive place.
Our Governance Officer, Serena Mahandru recently spoke with Iffat Tejani; Chair of the Evolve Cycling Network, a cycling club dedicated to encouraging more Muslim women to engage in sport, and an Alliance 2024 Community Sport and Recreation Awards finalist. See more about Evolve in their CSRA video and in our interview with Iffat below:
What is Evolve Cycling Network?
We are a community initiative that began in December 2020 with a focus on empowering women through cycling. Initially starting with a small group of women, the network has grown to include over 300 female riders. By running initiatives for both women and children, we help women learn and build their confidence in riding through skill sessions, which include practical techniques such as riding one-handed and group riding. Since our foundation, we have trained 20 women as coaches across varying levels and disciplines to help support and run all our sessions. Most recently, we took a team to compete in the London Youth Games, representing our area for the first time in over a decade.
What inspired you to start a female and a primarily Muslim sports club?
The inspiration behind starting Evolve Cycling Network came from a desire to create a supportive and inclusive community for Muslim women in sports. Our journey, as the name Evolve suggests, has been about growth and transformation. Seeing women achieve distances they never imagined has been incredibly rewarding.
Our mission is to encourage Muslim women to embrace cycling as a sport, a mode of transport, and a way to combat loneliness in an era marked by pandemics and longer life spans. We strive to create safe spaces where women, particularly women of colour, can feel empowered and strong in pursuing a sport traditionally dominated by white men.
Why is it important to have a club exclusively for female and Muslim members?
Firstly, it provides a safe and comfortable environment where women can engage in activities without compromising their cultural and religious practices, such as wearing hijabs and participating in gender-segregated activities. This exclusivity ensures cultural sensitivity, allowing members to freely express themselves and share experiences with others who understand and respect their backgrounds. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and support, empowering Muslim women to participate in sports and recreational activities that they might otherwise avoid in mixed-gender or non-religious-specific clubs.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting the club?
One of the biggest challenges we faced when starting the club was the lack of female coaches and suitable cycling jerseys that adhered to hijab requirements. To overcome these obstacles, we focused on two main tasks: designing our own modest jerseys and training ourselves as ride leaders, coaches, and mechanics.
Creating the Evolve jersey was a significant undertaking. We needed a design that was breathable, long, and loose enough to provide proper coverage, with practical features like side zips for free movement and back pockets for carrying essentials. It took a long process of finding manufacturers who could bring this idea to life, but we succeeded in producing a jersey that aligns with our values and needs.
Additionally, we addressed the shortage of female coaches by training ourselves, ensuring we had the necessary skills and knowledge to lead rides, coach new members, and handle bike mechanics. This self-sufficiency has been crucial in building a supportive and empowering community for our members.
How do you ensure that all members feel welcomed and included?
At Evolve Cycling Network, we ensure that all members feel welcomed and included by embracing our tagline: "It starts with the first stroke of the pedal." This motto reflects our commitment to fostering a sense of sisterhood and creating a space where everyone can share their stories and experiences. We focus on building a supportive community where each member feels valued and respected. By encouraging open communication and celebrating diverse backgrounds, we strive to make sure that every member, regardless of their experience level or personal background, feels a strong sense of belonging from their very first ride.
How do you navigate cultural expectations and potential resistance from within the community regarding women participating in sports?
Navigating cultural expectations and potential resistance involves a multifaceted approach of research, respect, and community engagement. We prioritise understanding and respecting cultural values by working closely with community leaders and utilising accessible venues like mosques. Education and awareness are central to our strategy, as we aim to be role models who demonstrate how women can participate in sports while honouring their cultural and religious commitments.
Evolve Cycling Network has collaborated with British Cycling to enhance diversity within the sport. We have actively engaged with communities in areas such as Luton, Banbury, and Streatham, bringing our teaching courses and experiences to local mosques. By partnering with established clubs, we work to build capacity, raise awareness about cycling, and support local charities through fundraising.
What are your future plans for the club in terms of growth and development? Are there any new initiatives or programs you are excited about?
We have several exciting plans for the future of the club as we continue to focus on growth and development. Our primary goal is to expand our social cycling programs, enhancing our community engagement and support for women at all levels of experience. We are also thrilled to be launching our youth race team, which will provide young cyclists with opportunities to develop their skills and compete.
Additionally, we are planning a new sportive event in September in Milton Keynes, with many more events scheduled for the coming year.
If you would like to find out more about Evolve Cycling Network, please take a look at their website here.
South Asian Heritage Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the diverse contributions of the South Asian community in the UK. Organisations like Evolve Cycling Network play a crucial role in this celebration by fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers within the cycling world. Through their dedicated efforts, Evolve Cycling Network not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also builds stronger, more connected communities. As we celebrate SAHM, let’s also acknowledge and support the work of groups like Evolve, who tirelessly work to ensure that sport and recreation is a joy that everyone can share.
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