Maryam Ghelich, an Iranian motorbike ride instructor, first rode through Tehran’s empty streets at night to avoid scrutiny over her clothing or lack of a licence. Fifteen years later, she has trained hundreds of women, helping them navigate the city’s busy roads while challenging societal barriers for female motorcyclists.
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“This sport was one of my passions, and in Iran it had long been taken for granted that motorcycling was only for men,” Ghelich, 49, told AFP. Over the years, women on mopeds and motorbikes wearing colorful helmets have become an increasingly common sight, reflecting a subtle but growing shift in social attitudes.
Women on motorbikes are becoming a common sight in Tehran, a quiet revolution in Iran’s streets. Demand for lessons is soaring, even as licensing hurdles and dress-code debates linger.https://t.co/PoRdf9mk7c pic.twitter.com/VZS0EZyp6Y
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 15, 2025
Despite the progress, licensing remains a major hurdle. While traffic laws do not explicitly forbid women from riding, authorities have historically not issued motorcycle licences to them. Riders remain legally vulnerable in accidents, regardless of skill or experience, leaving many concerned about potential repercussions.
Ghelich has witnessed a surge in women enrolling in her courses in recent months, whether for city riding or racing. “When I see the women we trained out riding on the streets, I really enjoy seeing that families are now accepting it,” she said.
Cultural and religious rules continue to pose challenges. Officials occasionally cite Iran’s dress code, requiring women to wear loose clothing and cover their head and neck, as a reason to restrict riding. Nevertheless, women riders report that police enforcement has become more lenient over time.
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The movement comes amid broader social change, with women increasingly defying strict rules in the wake of the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. For riders like Mona Nasehi and Nayereh Chitsazian, the combination of passion, determination, and gradual public acceptance is helping pave the way for more women to take to the streets safely.