Amsterdam, often cited as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities, boasts roughly 400 kilometers of bike paths, with more being added regularly. Cycling is the primary mode of transportation for many residents, with almost 550,000 bikes in the city. Amsterdam aims to be emission-free by 2030, making it a captivating destination for tourists, who are often amazed by the sheer number of cyclists. It's not just a mode of transportation but a fascinating and vibrant aspect of city life.

While visiting Amsterdam, I found myself pondering a personal realization: at my age, I still did not know how to ride a bike. I am now 44 years old and almost reaching 50 soon. Riding a bike is part of my list of things to do, but I never had time nor a chance. I remember being absolutely fascinated by bicycles during my childhood in the Philippines, but I recalled that despite my interest, my late mother forbade me from cycling, claiming it would make me lose my virginity. This belief, rooted in cultural and gender biases, prevented me from pursuing an activity that I was curious about. I then realised that this old belief system is not just from my mother, but shared within a system that did not give women much of an opportunity to explore new things and experiences.

Pondering about how my lack of ability to ride a bike has somewhat effected me mentally, I started thinking about women back in my home country. How many women in the Philippines really know how to ride a bike? Or even if they do know, do they ever use them? The situation in the Philippines reflects a broader gender gap in cycling. According to the Mobility Awards, of the nearly 100,000 cyclists counted, the vast majority are male. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing gender inequality in cycling participation. Well, I think the problem is not just the bike, but also the hot weather conditions. The lack of cycling lanes and even bike lessons will not increase the number of women on bikes.

During my time in the U.S., I attempted to sign up for biking lessons but couldn't commit due to scheduling conflicts. However, the desire to ride remained. Seeing women in Amsterdam cycling freely and confidently made me envious of their freedom and strength. A tourist I spoke with mentioned that bikes in Amsterdam seem as important as people, with bike lanes ubiquitous throughout the city. This environment showcases a city constantly on the move, where the sight of women with flowers on their bikes, older women cycling, and women carrying additional bikes is commonplace. These scenes made me question my mother's outdated beliefs and made me appreciate the inclusive cycling culture in Amsterdam.

Beyond personal reflections, I contemplated the broader issue of gender inequality in mobility. How many women worldwide are denied the chance to ride a bike or drive? How many still believe that such activities are solely for men? Amsterdam exemplifies empowerment, offering equal opportunities for men and women to occupy the same space without competition over who rides faster or over who arrives first. This led me to consider whether cycling is inherently a male activity, or if the gender gap in cycling participation is a deeper issue rooted in societal norms, especially in developing countries.

Research indicates a clear gender disparity in mobility, not just in cycling but across various modes of transportation. If then we think about women’s empowerment, is it not proper that we also think about how women will be able to exercise such power, even in the simplest activities such as biking? Cycling provides not only physical movement, but also a sense of freedom. Personal experiences from long-time cyclists, like my Dutch friend in Minnesota who organised a group of women cyclists, underscore the importance of creating spaces for empowerment.

I think she brought the Dutch culture to America, but more than that, the idea of true empowerment goes beyond discussion; it involves providing the space and opportunity for all to participate equally. Amsterdam serves as a powerful example of how inclusive policies and infrastructure can create a more equitable society, where cycling is a symbol of freedom and empowerment for all genders. How many women in the world move in such spaces?