Celebrating Women Worldwide
Marion E . Wildey
They say the power of women is what makes the world go ‘ round , and without women , there would be no human race , yet women have consistently been treated as the lesser of the genders . Humanity should be seen as a joint collaboration , and that is noticeable by the growing movements to empower women . National Bike Month has hosted one such event worldwide called CycloFemme , which began seven years ago to not only bring women together , but also to promote the empowerment of women through cycling . Sarai Snyder ’ s joint creation with an organization called the Language Dept ., set out “ to honor the past from the shoulders of those who stood before us , for the freedom to choose and the chance to wear pants . To celebrate the present with strength and courage , voices raised , moving together . To empower the future of women everywhere , the backbone of positive social change .”
bicycle offers to women everywhere ? CycloFemme has set out and successfully been celebrated throughout all US states , and over forty countries , and continues to make women stronger across the world by initiating positive change .
Remember when you first tried to ride a bike ? You weren ’ t in sync with your body to do what you needed it to do in order to balance on two wheels , so your dad ran along beside you until you were able to balance on your own . Once you made the connection with your mind and body to stay upright , there was no stopping you as you raced around the neighborhood , to school , and ultimately to independence as you rode to and from
Snyder was “ a huge advocate of safer streets and more trails while running a bicycle shop for many years ,” and saw barriers for women in cycling , but it was her “ unique perspective and outspokenness that gained her followers all over the world ,” and out of this came the community event giving women a reason to pedal beyond the wind in their hair and the sun on their back . Snyder says , “ bicycles provide access to medical care , education , community , and higher earning potential . Beyond that , the physical aspects of riding a bike build strength , self-reliance , and confidence .” Why not organize an annual ride dedicated to getting women pedaling together , while raising the awareness for the amazing opportunities that riding a
14 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | MAY 2018