Cycling Gap: Why Many Women in Bangladesh Don't Ride Bicycles



Cultural News
Cycling Gap: Why Many Women in Bangladesh Don't Ride Bicycles

In Bangladesh, a significant phenomenon exists - many women do not ride bicycles. This situation is deeply rooted in the country's social and cultural context.

 

Socially, traditional gender norms play a major role. In Bangladeshi society, there are long - standing beliefs about the appropriate behavior and roles of women. Cycling is often considered an activity more suitable for men. Women are expected to adhere to a more reserved and home - centered lifestyle. This social perception restricts women's freedom to engage in cycling, as they may face social stigma and judgment if they do so. For example, in rural areas, where traditional values are more firmly held, a woman on a bicycle may be seen as going against the established norms, leading to whispers and disapproval from the community.

 

Culturally, the issue is also intertwined with concerns about women's safety and modesty. Wearing the traditional clothing like the saree, which is commonly worn by Bangladeshi women, can make cycling a bit cumbersome. Moreover, there are worries about women's safety while cycling on the roads, especially considering the lack of proper infrastructure and the often chaotic traffic conditions. As a result, parents and families are often reluctant to encourage their female members to take up cycling, further perpetuating the trend of women being absent from the cycling scene in Bangladesh.
Latest Stories
Sports News1 minute readThe Scalo Romana Olympic Village is set to welcome athletes for this winter’s games, having been completed in 900 days—one month ahead of schedule, according to Designboom. The milestone marks a key step in preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Industry News2 minute readSan Francisco, July 21, 2025 — Apple Inc. has filed a high-stakes trade secret lawsuit in the Northern District of California against prominent tech YouTuber Jon Prosser and his associate Michael Ramacciotti, accusing the pair of accessing Apple employees' internal developer iPhones to leak confidential details about the unreleased iOS 26 operating system.
Feline News1 minute read[Nashville, July 18th] —— The Tennessee Rex, a uniquely American cat breed celebrated for its naturally curly fur, is gaining recognition among pet enthusiasts worldwide. This distinctive feline traces its origins to a chance discovery in 2004 in Tennessee, where a stray cat gave birth to a litter containing a kitten with unusually soft, curly hair—a natural genetic mutation that marked the breed's beginning.
Sports News1 minute readWith three years to go until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the U.S. government and California lawmakers are ramping up preparations. On July 4, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 1, the "One Beautiful Act," allocating $1 billion to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Olympic-related security, planning, and operational costs . This marks the largest federal investment in Olympic security since the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, reflecting concerns over potential threats and logistical complexities.
Feline News1 minute readThe Cheetoh cat, a relatively new and increasingly popular feline breed, has been turning heads in the pet world with its striking appearance and engaging personality. Developed in the early 2000s through the intentional crossbreeding of Bengal cats and Ocicats, the Cheetoh was crafted to combine the exotic spotted coat of wild felines with the gentle temperament of domesticated breeds.
Sci-Tech News1 minute readThe U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced on July 14 it has awarded up to $200 million in AI contracts to OpenAI, Google parent company Alphabet, Anthropic, and xAI, aiming to accelerate the deployment of advanced AI capabilities across national security systems. The contracts, managed by the DoD’s Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO), will fund the development of "agentic AI workflows" to address critical defense challenges, including cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and operational decision-making .
Industry News2 minute readNintendo has announced the second iteration of its Switch Online Playtest Program, opening applications on July 18th to 40,000 Switch Online + Expansion Pack members for a closed beta of an unannounced online service. This marks a significant expansion from the 10,000 participants in the 2024 trial, quadrupling the user base to gather broader feedback ahead of a potential full launch. The test will run from July 29th to August 11th, 2025, and supports both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, signaling strategic alignment with the next-gen console’s launch plans .