Daria Brazhnyk, Sustainable Supply Chains Coordinator

De Montfort University

From wobbling on the bike to proficient cyclist, The Daria Project has created a whole new community of bikers at De Montfort University.

A year ago, cycling was a foreign concept to me. I never learned to ride as a child. However, I knew I was not the only adult who looked at bicycles with trepidation, so I took it upon me to not only learn to cycle but to document my learning too, in the hopes that it would inspire others at DMU and the city of Leicester to learn too.

By working in partnership with the local council on my project, I mastered the two wheeled transportation device. My video documentary of bike riding was shared with the DMU community and as a result, over 100 students and staff registered their interest in biking lessons offered through The Daria Project.

To date, dozens of new cyclists have emerged at DMU as a result of the project, reducing car usage and transport emissions at the University. 

Top 3 Learnings

1. Patience is key when developing a new skill.
2. Retrieving feedback from participants provides clear direction for improvements.
3. Consistent communication with all stakeholders is the key to success in big behaviour change projects.