Fancy Women Bike Ride was held for the first time in 2013 in Izmir, Turkey to draw attention to World Car Free Day. This event was created by Sema Gur as a Facebook event and reached many women by word of mouth; 300 women participated to the bicycle tour. Women dressed in their most beautiful clothes, decorating their bikes with flowers and ribbons gathered in the city center and after a 3 km bike ride at a slow pace, they made a press statement and requested “the smell of perfume in cities instead of the smell of exhaust”.
In 2014 thanks to the national and international media coverage the second edition of the event is hosted also in other two cities contemporary. In Izmir there were more than 500 women on their bikes.
Sema Gur and Pınar Pinzuti organized the event in 10 cities with the help of the volunteers. Third edition of Fancy Women Bike Ride was on TV and printed media for many days.
In 2016 on September 25th in 28 cities thousands of women gathered in front of their municipality buildings to ask for bike friendly safe infrastructure and services.
In 2017 on September 24th Fancy Women Bike Ride is organized in 50 cities contemporary.
In 2018 on September 23rd the event is organized in 70 cities in Turkey, Italy, Germany and Switzerland contemporary. Fancy Women Bike Ride is recognized as a global women movement by EU Commission.
Fancy Women Bike Ride took place in 115 cities all around the world on September 22nd and has been listed as a success story in Copehangenize Index 2019.
Fancy Women Bike Ride took place in 120+ cities all around the world on September 20th. Due to the pandemic, the women from all around the world cycled with small group of friends and shared their photos on social media #FWBR2020
Fancy Women Bike Ride was hosted in 150+ cities in 30 countries all around the world on September 19th.
Fancy Women Bike Ride has been hosted in 200+ cities all around the world on September 18th. Fancy Women Bike Ride has been recognized by the United Nations, Sema Gur and Pinar Pinzuti are the laurates of the World Bicycle Day Special Award for their leadership and excellence in promoting cycling for all.
Fancy Women Bike Ride was hosted on September 17th in more than 200 cities, in 30 countries. Thank you so much for your support.
The Fancy Women Bike Ride is coming to a close. It’s been an incredible journey, but we’re excited to explore new paths.
Back in 2013, two women, Pinar Pinzuti and Sema Gur, embarked on a mission in Izmir, Türkiye, to get more women on bikes. Fast forward to now, and the Fancy Women Bike Ride has become a global movement, spreading empowerment and unity.
Over the years, the FWBR achieved so much together. From raising awareness for cycling events to advocating for safe infrastructure, every pedal stroke has been a step towards positive change. Our simple rules may have seemed small, but they’ve had a big impact, making cycling accessible and fun for everyone.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication and determination of the countless volunteer women who have tirelessly worked behind the scenes. Their passion has fueled the growth of FWBR and contributed to its positive impact on communities worldwide.
Please see the complete Global Impact Report on the homepage of our website.
Now, it’s time for a transformation.
The goals of the global movement have been achieved, and it’s time to empower women to continue the mission adjusting to local contexts.
So what does this mean? Well ask yourself how to take actions throughout the year to convince more people to choose cycling and demand more cycling infrastructure.
Our website will remain a resource for inspiration and guidance, preserving the spirit of unity and empowerment that brought more than 50.000 women in 200 cities all together.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this amazing ride. While the annual Fancy Women Bike Ride may be ending, our commitment to positive change lives on.
Everyday is Fancy Women Bike Ride, wherever you are! Put some flowers on your handlebar, and make yourself recognizable.