Wary Bikers
Allah be praised!
A miraculous event has occurred in Saudi Arabia where religious authorities have seen the light - to an extent at least - and granted women the right to ride bicycles for the very first time.
Now this new 'freedom' is not without practical problems because - at the same time - the same religious authorities have decreed that women riding bikes in Saudi Arabia must be conservatively dressed at all times.
Which means wearing a long black cloak similar to the burka being - and woe betide anyone who disobeys the rules - which are many and bewildering in equal measure.
Not only does the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) lay down a dress code for women cyclists - the CPVPV states that cycling is only permitted in parks, beach fronts and deserted rural areas.
The reason for such precautions, according to a CPVPV spokesman, is that - “Women wishing to drive motorbikes and bicycles should choose places where there are no gatherings of young men to harass them or steal their belongings.”
But it doesn't stop there because women must be accompanied by a male guardian “in case of falls or accidents” - who can presumably also double up as a minder, if there are groups of potential thieves or harassers in the area.
Now whether this new, much qualified, right to cycle should be seen a breakthrough depends on your point of view - but one Saudi woman reacted on Twitter with the wry comment:
“Great. We have been granted the same rights as children.”
But the fight for women's rights continues and will focus soon on Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving cars - the only country in the world to operate such a policy.
The existing ban is due to be debated live on TV by the kingdom’s top advisory body - the Shura Council - which can recommend to the monarchy that the ban be overturned.
For the first time ever Saudi women will take an active part in the debate - following King Abdullah’s decision to appoint 30 women to the 150-member Shura Council - which had previously been an all-male affair.
So let see what happens - should be an interesting discussion.
