There are lots of countries where it isn’t easy to be a female cyclist, Colombia being one such example. But few have it as tough as women who want to ride bikes in Afghanistan do, where the idea is so abnormal and alien, that reactions ranging from confused stares to outright disapproval are almost inevitable.

So it’s great to see a new film project called Afghan Cycles, attempt to normalise these women’s cause, as Skateistan has done so awesomely through skateboarding in recent years.

Afghan Cycles is at the trailer-stage, which you can watch below, while the production team is attempting to secure more funding through Kickstarter.

Aside from the pleasure riding a bike can bring, it’s also a hugely empowering technology, as one of the women interviewed in the trailer says:

“Women riding bicycles has been an important moment in many different countries, where it’s given women more independence and ability to go out and work, so just the idea that it would still be controversial here in Afghanistan, for women to do that is a challenge.”

While one of the men interviewed says:

“This is not normal, girls riding bikes on the streets. They’re taking a risk and they’re brave to do that. I see them as leaders.”

It’s hoped the full length documentary, directed by Sarah Menzies, will be released early in 2016.

Find out more at Afghan Cycles

You may also like…

Skateboarding is giving women a future in one of the world’s worst war zones

Iran’s surfing revolution…how Easkey Britton is shaking up the Islamic Republic

Why has this man put a naked woman on a bicycle?

A history of women cyclists who’ve blazed a trail for the sport