Can Muslim women ride a bike?

Why some people say no

In a few cultures, women cycling was seen as improper, and some people repeat this as if it were a religious rule. It isn't. Islam judges actions by its sources, not by local customs. Women in the Prophet's ﷺ time rode camels, horses and donkeys, travelled, and took part in public life. The Prophet ﷺ even raced his wife Aisha on foot (Sunan Abi Dawud 2578). A bicycle is simply a modern way of getting from A to B. A few scholars in the past advised against it because of the attention it drew in their societies, but most contemporary scholars see no problem with it in itself.

Modesty on two wheels

The main thing to think about is clothing. The Quran asks believing women not to display their adornment except what normally shows:

• Skirts and abayas: long, flowing clothing can catch in the chain or blow up in the wind. Wide trousers under a long tunic or a knee-length top usually work better. See Can Muslim women wear trousers?
• Hijab: pin it securely or use a sports hijab so it doesn't flap or get caught. A helmet fits over most styles. See How do I wear hijab for sports?
• Cycling kit: skin-tight lycra shows the body's shape, so if you do sport cycling, layer loose clothing over it.

Safety first

Islam values protecting life, so wear a helmet, use lights at night, and follow traffic rules. Some converts feel nervous at first; many cities in the UK, Europe and the USA run women-only or beginner cycling groups, which can be a great way to learn in a comfortable setting and meet other sisters.

Cycling as a sport

Riding for fitness, joining a club or doing long rides is fine too, as long as your clothing stays modest and it doesn't push aside your prayers. If the club is mixed, keep normal Islamic manners with men, just as at work or university. For other sports, see Can Muslim women do martial arts?