biking in Iran

'Juchhey! You're great! Go on! Show them that we won't give in!' I want to scream out in sudden happiness but just stand still and smile.

It is a girl on a bike. Rarely spotted by me in Tehran, more often in Esfahan.



Until now I couldn't find out if it's law or unwritten law (just not common) in Iran. That women shouldn't go by bike, but I point to the second guess: it's not so common or socially accepted.

Women are not to go by bike. Someone told me it would show too much of their body contures and the movements wouldn't fit to a good girl's behaviour. While young boys and men race through the city, I feel like cheering if I see once a brave heroine acting against the social pressure. But as I don't want to embarras her, I hold onto myself and just share a smile. In the hope she might understand.