Saudi Arabia eases Ban on Women riding Bicycles

Saudi Arabia will now allow women to ride motorbikes and bicycles but only in restricted areas.

Eomen can ride bikes in parks and recreational areas but they have to be accompanied by a male relative and dressed in the full Islamic head-to-toe abaya.

Saudi Arabia follows an ultraconservative interpretation of Islam and bans women from driving.

Women are also banned from riding motorcycles or bicycles in public places. 

The official says women may not use the bikes for transportation but “only for entertainment'' and that they should shun places where young men gather “to avoid harassment.''