Riding free: Women reclaim Fort Kochi streets at night
Kochi: As rain swept through the narrow lanes of Fort Kochi on Saturday night, 30 women cycled through the drizzle, their spirits undampened by the drizzle. The Freedom Night Ride, organized by SheCycling, was more than just a ride — it was a statement of visibility and freedom in public spaces, especially after dark.
The participants, aged between 15 and 70, gathered at the iconic St Francis Church before pedalling through the city's historic bylanes and colonial charm. For many, it was not just a ride, but a personal journey toward confidence and independence.
Among them was 58-year-old Tanuja Aziz, who recently learned to cycle. Drenched but beaming, she shared how cycling transformed her life. "I never imagined going alone to the market or shops.
Now I do it regularly," she said. "Learning with this group gave me freedom as a housewife."
Her friend, Lyla Nizar, echoed the sentiment. "We were strangers united by fear — of falling, of failing, of being judged. That fear turned into laughter and friendship," she said, proudly posing beside her cycle.
The movement is led by Zeenath Muhammed Ali, a cycling coach and the driving force behind SheCycling in Ernakulam.
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A product of the Kochi Corporation's bicycle training programme in 2022, Zeenath has since trained hundreds of women from across India — including Maharashtra and Kashmir.
"Cycling is one of the most affordable and empowering modes of transport," she said. "For homemakers and low-income women, it means independence. All you need is a cycle and some air in the tyres."
While Fort Kochi is seen as progressive, Zeenath noted that traditional gender roles still persist. "We're challenging that — reclaiming public space and agency."
The ride ended on a festive note with a darbuka performance by Jijo Soman and the Indus Cycling Embassy, Trivandrum, adding rhythm to the rain-soaked night.
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