Pedaling for peace: Women’s Mideast Bicycle Tour

250 women from about 30 countries are pedaling across the Middle East to promote intercultural dialogue and bring back stories of love and kindness, something not much heard of in context of the Middle East.

This is the fourth such tour called “Follow The Women” that will cycle through Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the West Bank over a two week period. The tour ends in Bethlehem on Thursday, May 15.

What’s particularly awesome about this trip, is that of the 250 women, many are Arab (from Iran, Turkey, Tajikistan, Afghanistan etc) — they will be cycling in 25-30 degree heat fully covered: head scarf/long sleeves. There will be eye-opening social interaction and dispelling of stereotypes on two levels 1) between the group of women cyclists 2) between the women cyclists and the women they meet on their travels.

It is hoped that these women will play an active role in opening the minds of people around the world as they travel, as well as when they go back to their country, by sharing what they experienced as a means to smoothening what I think is one of the main causes of conflict: misperceptions between Arab and Western cultures.

Being a large all-woman group, the ride in itself is a feat to celebrate. And thinking about the it’s organisation is overwhelming — route, border crossing with 250 bicycles, accomodation arrangements, food, first aid etc, etc.

Admirable and inspiring. You can read more about the people behind this activity on their website: Follow The Women.