The Iranian government has just started allowing women to ride motorcycles on off-road circuits, and Behnaz Shafiei is one of the first to hit the road. She’s also the first and only woman in the country to participate in professional road racing, and she’s been sharing her whole wild ride on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/1MGj7wlsa9/
That dream could come true for Shafiei sooner rather than later. The deputy head of Iran’s motorcycle and automobile federation recently told a student news agency that the agency is “working on” getting women motorcycle licenses, despite the fact that more traditional members of society are not comfortable with it.
The dream for female bikers like Shafiei is to be able to compete at places like Azadi Sport Complex in Tehran, the biggest arena in Iran.
“My motorbike is my love,” Shafiei told the Guardian. “Motorcycling has changed my life for good, my entire life is tied to motorbikes. If I don’t ride, I’d fall ill. It’s a way for me to empty my mind and free myself.”
Photo via Behnaz Shafiei/Instagram