Women riders across India are breaking stereotypes and embracing motorcycling as a symbol of freedom, resilience and self-expression
Kiran Mortha
At the first thought, one would rarely associate those heavy riding gears, fringed leather jackets and gigantic motorbikes with women, especially Indian as motorcycling, like many other outdoor activities is still overwhelmingly dominated by men.
However, in the recent years there has been a steady change, gone are the days when there was nothing as woman biker as an increasing number of women bikers. The allure of motorcycling is driven by passion for most, and, as they say, passion does not see gender.
The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented surge in female riders across India. A survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council of India found that 20 pc of motorcycle riders in India are women. The regressive or the rigid would aver, but growing motorcycle sales to female consumers, the emergence of women-only riding clubs and the rise in female participation in national and international biking competitions are all indicators of this upsurge.
With female riders coming together and connecting, organisations such as the Bikerni Association, Biking Queens and Sisterhood of Bikers, among others, have created supportive environments for women to share their passion for riding, organise events and participate in long-distance journeys. Women’s International Motorcycle Association and its Indian chapter offer support to women motorcyclists while organising events like Women Riders’ World Relay. Popular biking events such as India Bike Week and Rider Mania are seeing increased female participation. Similarly, brands like Royal Enfield and Bajaj are witnessing a growing interest from female riders, prompting them to introduce lighter models with lower seat heights to cater to this market.
Ingita Jain says that her biking journey began by chance and form then she has not missed a chance to hit the road
Brushing aside the weight of societal expectations to dust, more women on wheels are roving the much-coveted biking routes of Ladakh, Manali and various other off-roading trails of India. For women riders, especially across India, beyond the thrill of riding this movement also reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward gender equality, freedom and self-expression. Brushing aside the weight of societal expectations to dust, more women on wheels are roving the much-coveted biking routes of Ladakh, Manali and various other off-roading trails of India. For women riders, especially across India, beyond the thrill of riding this movement also reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward gender equality, freedom and self-expression.
For Kiran Mortha, a Hyderabad-based psychologist, the journey started as early as five. “My solo rides have been the most life-changing processes of my life. Learning about India by going through its culture, heritage, beliefs, superstitions, languages and the whole gamut. I would never return as the same person,” she tells India & You.
Challenging stereotypes, these women are proving that they can master the same skills as their male counterparts, inspiring others to embrace this adventurous lifestyle. This evolution has had a wider effect, igniting discussions about the independence and mobility of women in Indian society. Many of these women, such as Veenu Paliwal, India’s ‘Lady of Harley’, or Roshni Sharma, the first Indian woman to ride solo from Kanyakumari to Leh, have become role models and sources of inspiration for future generations.
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“My uncle used to take me on joyrides every day on Yezdi. And I used to sit on the tank and pretend like I was the one riding. One day, he said just hold the handle straight, which I did and he was so amazed that I did it that he told me that one day India would know me as a biker,” Mortha says, recalling her experience of how she was introduced to motorcycles.
Fast forward to today, Mortha has already covered over 140,000 km on her bike, riding across India. “I learned and aged with every kilometre I clocked,” she says.
Not just limiting themselves to city rides, several have undertaken long-distance journeys across the country, showcasing their resilience and determination. For instance, the Delhi to Leh route is particularly popular and several all-women groups have conquered the high-altitude passes and rugged terrains.
“I think I have the emotional tenacity to ride long distances. Socially, I find myself the only woman on a group ride and I hate it. We are not making it easy for women to ride,” Ingita Jain, an Ahmedabad-based academician and biking enthusiast, tells India & You.
For Jain, riding began incidentally and she says that since then she has missed no opportunity to pack her bags and take on the road. She is also a member of the Ridernis, an Ahmedabad-based platform for women to learn, teach and explore motorcycling.
Yet, in a country where two-wheelers are the vehicle of choice for millions, seeing a female on a motorcycle still raises many eyebrows. Jain says that her journey was not smooth either, as she had to face off the conventional societal expectations from women in Indian society.
Women riders often face judgmental stares, comments and even criticism from family members or the general public, deterring some from pursuing the hobby.
Women riders are breaking barriers and redefining adventure, taking on Ladakh, Manali and India’s toughest off-road trails with confidence
“The biggest challenge I have faced is from my family where they like to flaunt me as a rider but in order to ride I must ensure that I fulfill all my duties as home maker and then, only if I have time, I can ride. I have never been able to strike the right balance there. Further, the major difficulties are on the road. Fellow riders are not very kind to women riders despite the fact that many are awed. Also, safety is an issue when you are riding in the night. One has to be aware and conscious or be with a men’s team,” Jain says.
“Everyone knows that the biking scene is mainly male-dominant. A male biker can go around easily while the female biker doesn’t have the same luxury. The recent incident of the gangrape of a Brazilian female biker is proof to that, and she wasn’t even riding alone. A female biker hence, has to develop a large variety of skillsets that would help her complete the ride without any difficulty,” Mortha says, stressing on how, like many other fields, riding is not the same for women as it might be for men.
“Though, I am leading a group of Ridernis, where we ride for causes related to women like gender equality and menstrual hygiene, I am yet to find men riding for social causes,” Jain adds.
And even if the women manage to conquer the daunting challenges of safety, societal norms and other such barriers, they then have to come face to face with a severe lack of infrastructure. Motorcycle gear, including jackets, helmets, and gloves, is often designed with men in mind, leading to a scarcity of appropriately fitting, comfortable and effective options for women and thus adding to another layer of difficulty. Then the Indian roads, highways included, are not really built for women users as few of them have proper amenities like washrooms or rest areas where women can feel safe and hygenic.
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And despite it all, these women aren’t just riding for adventure; they are embracing motorcycling as a powerful means of expression, empowerment and independence. The role of social media, clubs and events all become prominent here to voice the concerns and bring greater visibility to the growing community. Digital platforms like Instagram, Facebook and other social media are filled with stories and accounts from women riders.
The various societal, cultural and logistical challenges have not been able to deter their enthusiasm and they continue to navigate the rockiest terrains with all the more zeal. As more women embrace biking and push boundaries, this vibrant and resilient community is redefining the landscape of biking in India, shifting perceptions, and lesser-explored paths.
Pushing the Boundaries : Popular motorcycle routes in India
Women riders in India are exploring some of the country’s most scenic and challenging routes and each journey serves as a testament to their strength, resilience and spirit of adventure.
Leh-Ladakh Circuit
Leh-Ladakh Circuit: Known as one of the most challenging and scenic routes in the world, the Leh-Ladakh circuit in the Himalayas is particularly popular, especially among women riders. Popular for its rugged terrain, breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment, many female riders undertake this route as a personal challenge.
The Golden Quadrilateral
The Golden Quadrilateral: This route connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, forming a 6,000 km loop around India. Though it’s a difficult ride to complete, it offers a mix of city landscapes, coastal views and rural scenery.
Goa-Mumbai Coastal Route
Goa-Mumbai Coastal Route: This coastal ride from Goa to Mumbai along NH-66 is relatively beginnerfriendly, offering beautiful views of the Arabian Sea. It is popular among female riders who prefer weekend getaways and short but scenic trips.
Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley: Known for its barren landscapes and treacherous roads, the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is often on the bucket list of avid bikers. While it is a challenging route, it provides a profound sense of achievement upon completion.
Northeast India
Gangtok to Gurudongmar Lake: From Gangtok to the high-altitude expanse of Gurudongmar Lake, this biking circuit cuts through some of Sikkim’s most dramatic terrain. Favoured by women riders, it offers a blend of stark Himalayan beauty, challenging roads, and a growing sense of safety, solidarity, and self-discovery on the journey.