Choosing to cycle once a day can reduce an individual’s carbon emissions by 67%! Cycles also represent an accessible, sustainable mode of travel to a majority of the Indian population, most of them using the vehicle for livelihood.
But, that’s not all. Cycles also empower women, and possess the ability to bridge the gender gap on our streets.
Women tend to stay away from the streets primarily for safety. Most daily wage working women are forced to walk long distances due to an inability to access other modes of transport. Most rely on partners to drop them, making them dependent. A cycle can change all of this – it can help each woman pedal towards change.
Historically, it was in the Victorian Era that women took up cycling, modified their clothing and revolutionised the idea of women traveling independently. Today, in India, any woman taking charge of her commute empowers an entire community and multiple generations to reclaim their rightful space on our streets and revolutionise transportation in our cities.
Greenpeace India’s latest report recounts stories from women powering the pedal to reclaim their road space. Here are stories of courage, independence and revolution.
Here are women who #PowerThePedal.