Muslim Women Bicycling Group

[Librarygirl]

This is such a fantastic story! I love how cycling can empower women and give them confidence Especially brave, learning to ride as an adult, a woman, in London, AND as a Muslim facing disapproval not only from 'outsiders', but also from those within her community. Grrr...the comment about women 'stimulating themselves' by getting a man instead of a bike! How stupid does that guy sound!

[crazycanuck]

I know of one city council in Perth that teaches/taught many immigrant women (muslim included-manily from Afghanistan & Iran) to ride a bike. It was a huge challenge for the lady organizer but they just took tape to the chadors etc & worked well. Sounded like fun!

[Trek420]

On my way home on the train one day I was asked about biking to work and how one could do that with a skirt. The woman asking me said she has to wear a skirt, the implication was it was for religious reasons. I don't know if she is Muslim or even Orthodox Jewish.

She said she has a bike but can't ride it with a long skirt. I told her of some options including ways to equip the bike she already has with a chain guard or a new bike with one on, recommended a couple of local female friendly, newbie rider helpful shops .... and of course TE.

I hope she's riding, maybe lurking here

[Chicken Little]

Grrr...the comment about women 'stimulating themselves' by getting a man instead of a bike!

What a joke. They obviously have not spent much time on the seat that came stock with my road bike....

[lph]

Maybe biking would become more acceptable among the ultra-traditionalist brigade if they knew how uncomfortable and numbing bad saddles are... I can imagine it being quite the accepted sport!

And come winter, we all look like we're wearing face veils anyway.

[chicagogal]

I was on the last leg of a bike ride earlier this past summer on a busy road near my house. I see in the distance, on the road ahead of me, what looks like a black blob, but is clearly a figure of some sort. As I approach, I come along side a woman wearing a full burqa, with only eyes showing, rollerblading at quite a clip! I was so impressed! She followed her conservative religious teachings about appropriate wardrobe, but didn't let it deter her from her sport/exercise/transportation! (not quite sure how she could tolerate the heat in that outfit . . .) I wanted to shout out, "you go girl!" but also wanted to warn her about being safe rollerblading in the road - to watch out for cars who aren't expecting rollerbladers on a busy street - so I just kept my mouth shut and carefully passed her.

[malkin]

Maybe biking would become more acceptable among the ultra-traditionalist brigade if they knew how uncomfortable and numbing bad saddles are... I can imagine it being quite the accepted sport!

Once they get wind of this, it will likely become required.