Saudi women take to two wheels as driving ban lifted

IT WAS a momentous occasion for Saudi women, as they took to the roads after the driving ban was lifted yesterday.

As reported by Arab News, women with international driving licenses were among the first to obtain their Saudi permit.

But freedom on four wheels wasn’t enough for some ladies, who are opting to learn to ride motorcycles instead.

Alia Abu Dhuhair, a Saudi banker from Tabuk, told reporters that she had been passionate about bikes since she was young.

“I love motorcycles because it reminds me of the good old days when we used to go to the beach. We used to ride them there,” she said.

“It made me feel happy and free. I wish to ride a motorcycle instead of a car. It is faster, without any parking hassles and one feels free and cool.”

Unfortunately, the lack of female coaches and high cost of training meant that only four women took the opportunity to learn to ride at a sports arena in the capital Riyadh.