Nomad Bikers: Inside A Homegrown Motorcycle Club Empowering Indian Women

Unlike driving a car or hopping on a train, for many bikers, riding a motorcycle is more than a simple means of transportation. Rather, motorbiking has formed its own subcultural identity, tied to a love for their bikes and passion for zipping down the streets. Within the cultural zeitgeist, a distinct aesthetic comes to mind when we think of motorcycle riders. Right now, for example, if you take a moment to envision a motorcyclist in your head, I’m willing to bet they’re decked out in all-black with a leather jacket to boot. 

It’s also probable that the person in your mind’s eye was a man. This assumption may not be based on conscious bias but it would be ridiculous to brush off the cultural stereotypes that erase women from spaces like this. Motorcycles are associated with bravery, taking risks and rebellious spirits: all ideals that are unfairly removed from the demure, sensitive stereotype that so often restricts women. Even the bravest and boldest of women may be deterred from an activity like motorcycling because of the social conditioning that tells her she can’t partake.

Nomad Bikers Club is here to show women across India the beauty in shedding societal expectations and taking to the road. The club’s mission is to create a safe space where women can explore motorcycling without fear of discrimination. In a world where women are under constant scrutiny, the opportunity to play, try new things, and chase that sweet sweet adrenaline rush without judgment is more important than ever. Whether you have never even touched a bike or you are an experienced biker, the Nomad Bikers Club is open to you. 

Under the guidance of experts, their training programs are designed to safely and openly teach beginners how to ride in just two days. For women who are already comfortable on a bike, their training workshops and getaways are a fantastic way to gain confidence, explore, and join a beautiful community. The last point feels important for me to emphasise; the stories shared on their Instagram, showcasing women of all shapes and backgrounds, coming together with their love for bikes are genuinely moving. It is clear that Nomad Bikers Club have built something truly special here.

When the founder of Nomad Bikers Club, Maya, started the organisation, she was driven by the goal of making the streets an equal space, particularly because of the misogynist stereotype that women are bad drivers. "The society with its predetermined gender roles generally makes women feel inferior and more intimidated to handle bikes and their weight in general," she explained. But Maya doesn't let this deter her, cheekily stating, "There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling up at a traffic light, flipping up your visor, and watching the surprise on people’s faces!"

It’s true that the assumption that women would not be able to handle a motorcycle is rooted in the infantilising yet sadly widespread belief that we are not competent. However, Maya, her co-founder Arya, and the over 1,500 women they have taught are proof that we can do anything we put our hearts to. Like many other things in life, the only prerequisite you need to start learning how to bike is passion and the confidence to press your foot down on the pedal. 

You can follow the Nomad Biker's Club here.

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