The iconic Fancy Women Bike Ride is shutting down after a job well done

Today, the wonderful humans behind the iconic Fancy Women Bike Ride are announcing the ride is no more, after the goals of the event have been achieved. It is time to celebrate founders Pinar Pinzuti and Sema Gür for all that they did.

“The Fancy Women Bike Ride is coming to a close. It’s been an incredible journey, but we’re excited to explore new paths,” read a message on social media. “Back in 2013, two women, @pinarpinzuti and @ssemagur, (Pinar Pinzuti and Sema Gür) embarked on a mission in Izmir, Türkiye, to get more women on bikes. Fast forward to now, and the Fancy Women Bike Ride has become a global movement, spreading empowerment and unity.”

From its humble beginnings as a grassroots movement in 2013 to its global expansion encompassing 30 countries and over 200 cities, FWBR has left an indelible mark on the landscape of women’s empowerment and community activism.

The inaugural Fancy Women Bike Ride took place in Izmir, Turkey in 2013. The event had 300 women attending as well as almost 50 journalists.

“I guess they did not want to miss the “critical mass of the cycle chic,” Pinzuti says. “The next day, the photos and videos of the event were everywhere, in national and international media.”

The next year, the event expanded to three cities, then 10. In 2019, there were 115 events in 15 countries. This year, there are more than 150 Fancy rides in 24 countries.

“The event grew fast thanks to the sisterhood and solidarity among the women,” Pinzuti says. “The application process to host the event in the proper city is simple. Volunteers get in touch with us, we explain everything, give training on how to use social media. Sema and I create all the communication materials (posters, flyers, etc) and share it with the cities.”

More than just a cycling event, FWBR symbolizes a celebration of women’s strength, unity, and resilience. It serves as a platform for reclaiming public spaces, promoting sustainable transportation, and challenging societal norms. Through the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers, FWBR has achieved remarkable milestones that have reverberated far beyond the cycling community.

Fancy Women Bike Ride, Izmir, Turkey (Photo Diafo)

One of its earliest triumphs was raising awareness for the European Mobility Week, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable mobility across cities and towns. FWBR’s advocacy played a pivotal role in popularizing this movement, leading to its widespread adoption and celebration in numerous municipalities across Europe.

Similarly, FWBR’s alignment with World Car Free Day in 2013 underscored its commitment to advocating for alternative modes of transportation and highlighting the potential of cycling as a means to alleviate congestion and promote community engagement.

One of its most profound impacts, perhaps its most important, lies in its contribution to empowering women through cycling. By offering free cycling courses and promoting the simple act of riding a bike, FWBR has enabled countless women to challenge stereotypes, embrace their strength, and assert their independence. The movement’s slogan, “Be Women Be Visible,” encapsulates its mission to elevate the visibility of women in public spaces and advocate for inclusive urban planning and traffic management.

“Fancy Women Bike Ride claims the public space, filling it with women on bikes. If people experience the city without cars, they might like it. They might also start to advocate for car-free cities,” Pinzuti explained, in a previous article on the event.

“When we cycle, we start to see things that we’ve been looking at for a long time. When we see things, we start to understand. Fancy Women Bike Ride is an occasion to see the city and understand if it is made for people or cars. We can achieve things if only we have more people, asking for the same thing (which is the human-sized cities).

At its core, FWBR is not just about cycling; it’s about community building and fostering solidarity among women. Through social rides and local events organized by passionate volunteers, FWBR has forged lasting connections and friendships that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences.

In 2022, FWBR received recognition from the United Nations for its outstanding contribution to promoting cycling for all, a testament to the dedication and leadership of its founders, Sema Gur and Pinar Pinzuti. Their vision and unwavering commitment have propelled FWBR to international acclaim, inspiring women around the world to embrace cycling as a vehicle for empowerment and social change.

As FWBR bids farewell to its official annual event, its legacy endures. Though the ride may have come to a close, its impact reverberates through the streets, reminding us of the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of solidarity.

Thank you Pinar and Sema, I’m sure we will be hearing from you again very soon.