Fancy a bike ride this weekend?
Ladies are invited to put on their favourite frock and join in on the Fancy Women Bike Ride on Sep. 22 to celebrate their femininity and the joy of cycling.
The Fancy Women Bike Ride taking place in Milan, Italy. Photo: Fancy Women Bike Ride Facebook
The Fancy Women Bike Ride was born in 2013 in Izmir, Turkey, as a reaction to the world of traditional cycling. Women take to the streets to show that everyone can ride a bike, and it is even possible to cycle with a fancy dress.
The event has now become a global movement on World Car Free Day, with more than 120 participating countries.
The positive day out highlights that cycling is possible without lycra, without sweat and without competition.
Cassandra Mah, the Vancouver event organizer, said the aim of the event was to promote women's cycling in cities and women's visibility in urban spaces.
“Vancouver leads North American cities in women's cycling rates and we have the opportunity to continue the momentum by introducing women to the joys and convenience of cycling and to stir conversation about urbanism,” she said.
"Cycling is a powerful way for women to become visible in society and a completely new way to interact with the city.
“We encourage women to dress up to feel beautiful, strong, and themselves."
The 5km ride starts at Woodland Park and takes place along the Adanac/Union bikeway and moves toward Science World before finishing at David Liam Park for a celebration with new friends.
Don’t stress if you don’t have a bike, Mobi by Shaw Go is supplying free bikes on the day.
The free event is all-ages and no registration required. Men are welcome to join in, so long as they ride alongside women, not ahead of them.
Event guidelines:
– Dress code: Fancy, fierce, fabulous (whatever makes you feel beautiful, strong and great!)
– Decorate your bicycle, pose for the cameras and take selfies, greet and smile at people during the bike ride.
– Bring your friends, mothers, aunties and sisters and be prepared for a magical afternoon.
– Be inclusive to all womxn and support those who are new to cycling (offer help!)
Event details:
Date: Sunday Sep. 22
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Woodland Park
For more information go to Fancy Women Bike Ride or follow @fancywomenbikeride on Instagram.
