Women on the move: Significant rise in solo women bikers in India; Experts highlight skills and safety measures crucial for solo journeys

A rush of excitement, wind on the face, and open roads ahead - solo biking is fast becoming a powerful new symbol of freedom for women in India. From metro cities to mountain towns, more women are taking to the roads alone, discovering not just new landscapes but also gaining confidence, self-reliance, and the quiet thrill of independence. But for women dreaming of their first solo ride, where does the journey begin? What does it take to prepare for those first few kilometres alone? 160% rise in solo women bikers between 2023 and 2025 in India68% of all new long-distance riders are women(According to Indian Motorcycle Touring Association, BikeDekho data) Did you know?Solo women riders invest 40% more in safety gear and bike maintenance than group or male riders.(Source: RevRiders Survey 2025)Before the ride beginsEvery solo ride begins long before the engine starts. Detailed route mapping, fuel stops, accommodation planning, and bike servicing are essential. Pune-based rider Awanti Bapat begins every ride with a simple method. “I do a quick T CLOCS check. Tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis, and stands. I listen to the bike’s sound, and the feedback helps me to understand the issues,” she says. For riding coach Amruta Mane, overcomplicating prep is unnecessary. “I treat my bike like a teammate. If she’s fit, I’m confident,” she shares. Her checklist includes tyres, chain lubrication, brakes, lights, and coolant. On the other hand, for Bengaluru-based rider Vinutha Rao Talekar, half the job is done in knowing the importance of your machine. “Solo means self-sufficient. Even if you cannot do every repair yourself, you must at least know what happened to your bike,” says Vinutha. She carries clutch cables, fuses, a puncture kit, chain lube, a mini-inflator, spare keys, and a pressure gauge before every long-distance ride. Training, too, comes in handy. “I completed a riding camp in 2023, and it really strengthened my fundamentals. It has stayed with me on every ride,” says Sukanya, who often rides long stretches across Mumbai and its outskirts. Understanding local conditions, road safety updates, and weather patterns can make the difference between a stressful trip and a memorable one. On the road and on your ownAccommodation can be one of the trickiest parts of riding alone. According to the Indian Road Safety Foundation, safe parking and 24-hour accessibility are the top priorities for women. Vinutha has faced this issue firsthand. “I was stuck in a small town, where they refused to give a room to a single woman. I had to detour to a touristy place just to get an accommodation. Even in 2025, this can happen,” adds the solo rider. Despite the occasional difficulty, she says most people she meets on the road are encouraging. “People are so proud of women riding solo. They appreciate the courage,” adds Vinutha. Many women riders also avoid staying out late or choosing unfamiliar locations. “I research my route, check fuel stops, and avoid riding after dark in new areas,” shares Awanti.Gear up rightThe right gear can provide that extra layer of comfort, confidence, and safety when going on rides, especially the longer ones. “Riding pants offer far better protection than knee guards. Jeans look cool, but they will not save you,” says Awanti. On her carry-on list? A hydration pack, first aid kit, tyre inflator, and an SOS-enabled power bank. The riders say that it’s also important to know how to solve some of the basic issues. Amruta, who trains women riders, says, “I teach them how to pick up their bike, tighten mirrors, and handle minor problems. This builds confidence,” she says. Ensure you also have medical ID stickers on your helmet and keep emergency numbers easily accessible.Pros of riding solo:Freedom to choose your pace and pathBoosts confidence, resilience, and focusDeep connection with landscapes and local cultureImproves problem-solving and self-relianceEmpowering sense of independence Cons of riding solo:FatigueBreakdowns, sudden weather challengesHigher costs for safety and maintenanceLimited help during emergenciesLoneliness on longer routesWeather unpredictability Checklist for your first solo ride:Get your bike serviced ­­­­­­Choose routes with rider traffic and basic infrastructureCarry a puncture kit, chain lube, rain gear, and backup fuelShare your live location with trusted contactsWear a riding jacket, gloves, boots, and a certified helmetCarry cash for remote areas, ID copies, and an emergency contact cardTake regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and check your bike's condition PULL QUOTES“Sudden storms have taught me to trust my instincts. I never brave through bad visibility. I stop and wait it out”- Vinutha Rao Talekar“Start with small solo rides near home. Confidence comes from practice and predictability”- Amruta Mane “I’ve never faced an unsafe situation so far, mostly because I’m extremely careful about when and where I ride”- Sukanya “Going on solo rides makes me feel calm and focused. It is my way of finding balance and clarity”- Awanti Bapat