Woman Motorcycle Enthusiast – MOTORESS
NEWSWoman PoweredWoman Rider

Behnaz Shafiei Working Against Iran’s Public Ban for Women And Motorcycles

Last Update: 19 February 2022

Behnaz Shafiei Changing Iran’s Women And Motorcycles MOTORESS
Behnaz Shafiei Changing Iran’s Public Ban for Women And Motorcycles

Although women in Iran are still banned from riding a motorbike in public and are not able to get licenses, Behnaz Shafiei (the only Iranian female rider to have done professional road racing) was among the first group of women to get official permission to practice on off-road circuits. But  Behnaz Shafiei continues to work hard to break that status quo.

This 26-year-old woman motorcycle and motocross rider is among the first group of female motorcyclists in Iran to have recently obtained official permission to practice on off-road circuits. She is also the only Iranian female rider to have done professional road racing.

Although Behnaz Shafiei and a handful of other woman motocross riders can operate in clubs, they are not allowed to enter competitions or ride on official race tracks. This includes one at Tehran’s magnificent Azadi sport complex, currently exclusive to men.

The standard of living for women in Iran is slightly higher than that in neighbouring middle eastern countries. In Saudi Arabia, for example, women are not allowed to drive at all. In Iran, women are allowed to drive, but they’re still not able to obtain licenses for riding a motorcycle, which prevents them from competing.

Behnaz Shafiei and some fellow motorcycle enthusiasts have campaigned to be allowed to use some tracks. The result for Behnaz practices three times a week, is to race on the outskirts of Tehran, away from glare, hidden under her helmet.

Things are changing. Behnaz Shafiei’s story has attracted a great deal of interest at home. Behnaz is hopeful that soon she will also be allowed to compete. She hopes soon that the sport she loves, will soon become free for women to take part in.

More about Behnaz Shafiei on Facebook.

Photos: Mohammad Moheimany of jamejamimage.ir


 


Polaris Think Outside

RELATED TOPICS

Polaris Rejoins As Partner For 18th International Female Ride Day

MOTORESS

Women’s Pro Motocross Championship USA Returns with Eight Round Series for 2024

MOTORESS

MV Agusta Celebrates a Year of Triumphs And Ramps Up Production with Cutting-Edge Assembly Line

MOTORESS

Indian Motorcycle Unveils Roadmaster Elite: High-End Sophistication Meets Menacing Blacked-Out Style

MOTORESS

Harley-Davidson Dawn of A New Era Unveils 2024 Model Motorcycles

MOTORESS

2 comments

Nader Parsarad 1 February 2020 at 09:48

Hello
I believe there is no difference between women and men ! and i believe women do better then men
I wish some day soon women can drive the bike free in Iran
good luck

Nader parsarad

Reply
MOTORESS 4 February 2020 at 23:11

Thanks for weighing in. We hope for equality in motorcycling globally one day. International Female Ride Day is certainly making a difference and has affected BIG Change.

Reply

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

We use first-party and third-party cookies for analytical purposes and to improve your experience. ACCEPT For More Information consult our cookie policy.

Translate MOTORESS