Fancy Women Bike Ride goes global in a two-wheeled celebration of empowerment and fun

In a world bustling with cars and fast-paced routines, there’s a group of fabulous women who know how to slow things down and add a splash of color to life. On Sept. 17, cycling enthusiasts across the globe are gearing up for the 11th annual Fancy Women Bike Ride. It’s not your ordinary Sunday morning ride; it’s a celebration of life, self-expression, and the joy of cycling.

Over a decade ago, the spark that ignited this phenomenon came from Sema Gür, who posted an event on Facebook inviting friends to don colorful dresses, slip into high heels, and adorn their bicycles with flowers for a leisurely ride through the city. Little did she know that her idea would take off, spreading its wings across borders. Today, the Fancy Women Bike Ride is a beloved tradition, uniting cyclists worldwide who believe that biking isn’t just about lycra, speed, and sweat; it’s a source of joy, happiness, and amusement, as co-founder Pinar Pinzuti aptly puts it.

This event isn’t just for seasoned cyclists; it’s an invitation to newcomers and non-cyclists to experience the magic of riding a bike. So, if you’re not accustomed to pedaling, don’t fret; you’re encouraged to give it a try.

GGA Photography

The dress code? Simple: “Fancy, fierce, fabulous—whatever makes you feel beautiful, strong, and great!” Participants go all out, decorating their bicycles, posing for the cameras, and taking selfies. The emphasis is on inclusivity, welcoming all womxn and supporting those new to cycling.

The very first Fancy Women Bike Ride pedaled its way through Izmir, Turkey, in 2013, with 300 women and almost 50 journalists in tow. It was an instant hit, and the following year, the event spread to three cities, then ten, and eventually reached 115 events in 15 countries in 2019. Today, there are over 150 Fancy rides spanning 24 countries, a testament to the sisterhood and solidarity among women worldwide.

Selamawit Czebotar organizer the Fancy Women Bike Ride in New York City. 

“I first heard about FWBR on social media while I was still new to riding my cargo bike around NYC,” she says. “My first impresson was what a beautiful and peaceful way to engage local communities to take part in positive change. Global warming isn’t a myth but we live in a culture that celebrates and paves the way for cars without giving people a lot of transportaiton options. Especially, commuting by bicycle.”

The birth of the Fancy Women Bike Ride in 2013 aimed to advocate for safer cycling infrastructure and create welcoming spaces for women to interact with their cities in a whole new way. It’s a call for all of us to enjoy safe ways to walk and ride bikes, transforming our cities into human-sized, inclusive havens.

Selamawit Czebotar at the Fancy Women Bike Ride in New York City

“The ride represents so many things. First, it is a way for the city to see that riding a bike isn’t just a sport,” Czebotar says. “You can dress for your destination whether it be to meet with friends or look chic for a party or commute to work. Second, it is a way for women/femme to be taken seriously as we take over the roads for transportation not just roads for cars.”

In the lead up to the 11th Fancy Women Bike Ride on Sept. 17, in more than 200 cities worldwide, let’s remember that this movement is not just about cycling; it’s about reclaiming public spaces, embracing the soft power of femininity, and showcasing our inner colors while pedaling through life. Gür and Pinzuti, the visionaries behind this movement, have been recognized for their leadership and excellence in promoting cycling for all, receiving the 2022 Special Award World Bicycle Day from the United Nations.

Czebotar hopes the ride becomes more than just an annual event.

“I hope one day it is just not an event for one day but a daily choice we make to dress in our fancy, fierece and fabilous outfits and go on about our daily activities safely on a bicycle,” she says. “I know it can be done.”

So, on this special day, don your fanciest attire, hop on your bike, and join the colorful parade of cyclists celebrating the joy of cycling and the need for women to reclaim public spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newbie, there’s a place for you in this global celebration of life on two wheels.