Why do India’s women riders hide their hair inside their helmets?

In India, women who ride motorcycles often conceal their hair inside their helmets to avoid harassment from men. The practice is rooted in the belief that women are expected to sit on the pillion seat and face catcalls and threats if they choose to ride solo. Two recent incidents in Gurugram and Raipur have highlighted the dangers women bikers encounter on the road.

Abida Rana, a 22-year-old IELTS trainer, recounted being chased by a male driver who blocked her path and tried to intimidate her. Tanisha Arora, a bike influencer, expressed concern over the ongoing harassment faced by women riders and questioned the handling of the Riddhi Thakkar death case, in which a 24-year-old rider died after a crash during a group ride. Both women emphasized the need for better safety measures and support for female bikers.