“International Women’s Day is a somber occasion and every endeavour that promotes the cause is much welcome. Harley Davidson motorcycle riders in Dehradun have added a whole new meaning to biking by organising a rally on the theme of respect for women. I am delighted to be inaugurating this motorcycle rally and extend full support to every activity that aims to draw public attention to the cause of women in India,” stated Director General of Police, BS Sidhu while flagging off a bike rally themed ‘Real Men Respect Women’ in the State capital on Sunday.
Around 40 motorcycle riders of Dehradun braved the rainy weather and the cold wind to participate in the rally organized by the local HOG chapter. The bikers assembled near Mussoorie Diversion and rode to Jamta, ahead of Nahan, around 130 km from Doon. Riders from Chandigarh also joined the entourage in the event. This was the first time that a bike rally was organized in Dehradun to celebrate International Women’s Day and draw use biking as a way to draw attention to the cause. The group had one female rider too, a 19-year-old Anushriya Gulati, who has been riding a motorcycle since the age of 15.
Speaking to The Pioneer at the rally, she observed, “Why not celebrate womanhood everyday instead of only special occasionsIJ And if women ask to be respected and looked at with dignity, is it asking for too muchIJ” Eminent lawyer Atul Pundir, educationists Ankush Gulati and Madhukar and Brendan were some of the regular riders who took part in the rally.