Aside from the colors, Mohammed says that her bike is unique because it has both gears and pedal brakes. She was attracted to its super feminine look and ease of riding.
Originally from Ghana, Mohammed moved to the Netherlands around three years ago. She explains that cycling in her home country is quite different from here. “For one thing, there are no bike paths and the roads are bumpy and uneven, hence one can expect quite a rough ride,” she says. She adds that there are not so many females who cycle there. “It seems to be frowned upon for a lady to ride a bike and it is seen as unladylike,” she says. In addition she notes that for some reason cycling also seems to be tied to status, saying “The rich and middle class would probably never be caught dead on a bike!”
In contrast, Mohammed feels that cycling in the Netherlands is a wonderful, empowering experience. “I feel independent when I am on my bike,” she says. “I shop, go to work and use my bike for sports and recreation purposes as well. Without my bike, I believe my life in the Netherlands would have been much more difficult.”
The bike also gives Mohammed a sense of security. “Whenever I am riding home after a late night out,” she says, “it feels safe knowing that I can ride away on my bike without worrying about being attacked – highly unlikely, I know, in Delft but it’s still comforting to know that I can quickly cycle home.”
Mohammed, who also has a deep fear of dogs, said that cycling helps her overcome her fear. “I know, it’s strange,” she explains, “but somehow every time I see a dog and I am walking, I freeze and have to take a different route.” However on her bike she easily rides by them. “I suppose the idea of moving with fast speed on the bike and having in hand a heavy, strong metallic transport mode boosts my confidence and reduces my fear.”
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