Rolling in Melanin is a new initiative at Our Streets MPLS, for WOC/Black Women to connect, engage, and share skills and education around biking in the Twin Cities. Whether you bike a lot, only on the weekends, or not at all, if you have the desire this space can and will provide the resources to support you. This is a co-collaborative space that works to meet the needs of those involved. This can look like skill shares, riding and safety training opportunities, group rides and fellowship. This initiative is being lead by our awesome Bicycle Encouragement Connector Selah Michele.
"People are only invisible when we refuse to see them. This space is about expanding on what exists and dreaming about and creating what doesn’t for our health & wealth, and the benefit of our community and our environment. Black women and women of color bike. We been on bikes. I am so happy I get to be apart of supporting and expanding this way of being for us!"
--Selah Michele
This past weekend Rolling in Melanin had our first group ride & skill share. The ride began with a meet and greet at Washburn Fair Oaks Park in South Minneapolis. Then all the participants had the opportunity to learn and share their knowledge about ABCQ Quick Checks before the group too off for the ride. For some of the riders this was their first time riding in traffic. Everyone stepped up to support and make sure we all felt safe and connected. Another beautiful emergence was the presence of a family group, 2 generations. A mama, a daughter, and a cousin. The mother invited the other two when she decided to join the ride.
We rode our bikes through downtown Mpls,to the Stone Arch Bridge at St. Anthony. We crossed the river and ended our ride with snacks in the park. We discussed the importance of this space and others like it to support each other and ways we may want to utilize it in the future. Everyone pronounced to enjoy the ride. Some rode back to the park, others went their separate way. Looking forward to upcoming events!
Want to get involved? Contact: [email protected]
