Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Mar 25: Police commissioner of Mangaluru M Chandra Sekar on Friday March 25 flagged off a unique 'Heels on Wheels' women's bike rally at Forum Fiza Mall, Pandeshwar here. Around 40 women participated in the rally that was held on the theme 'Liberating the woman of today', with special emphasis on safety issues as well as business potentials for women entrepreneurs
The police commissioner who came to support the cause, addressing the gathering prior to the flagging off ceremony opined that the rally was the symbol of women's freedom and empowerment. "Along with independence, there is a need to create awareness regarding traffic safety and about the importance of following traffic rules. Youngsters today who go to college in bikes without wearing helmets consider it a matter of bravery and question why they have to wear helmets. There is a thin line between bravery and foolishness. One accident can make us crippled or may take away our life. Hence I urge college students to wear helmets and not cross the speed limits."
An elderly lady, Suhasini, said that she had come to see women ride bikes.
Preethi Uchila said that this rally has been organised to show to the world that men and women must complement each other and there should not be any discrimination between the two.
Around forty women from all walks of life participated in bike rally, asserting their independence while breaking traditional gender stereotypes, with an aim to spread awareness on equality and liberation while also emphasizing on road safety.
The women were seen riding almost all types of heavy bikes which are generally ridden by men. Women of various age groups took part in bike rally which began from Forum Mall and ended at the same place after passing via Jyothi, Lower Bendore, Nanthoor, Bejai and PVS.
Speaking exclusively to Daijiworld, one of the participants, Aishwarya, who works for Yenepoya Group said that the rally symbolizes independence of women. "I have been riding bikes since I was in 8th standard. My father encouraged me to learn riding. I go to my office every day by bike."
The event was jointly organised by 'Mangaluru Bikerni' in association with team Zero Gravity and other like-minded organizations.
Along with women, men also propagated the message of road safety on their superbikes and two-wheelers.
Traffic ACP Uday Nayak, inspector Dinkar Shetty from Pandeshwar police station were also present.