The Singaporean sisterhood of the travelling pants are breaking stereotypes and turning heads with their bikes
First-world Singapore is a hub of ideas and inspiration, a modern, technological metropolis that is home to a religious and racially diverse population. Among the multiple groups that exist in the city lies a sisterhood that can withstand not just the speed of time, but the speed of their two-wheeled motorbikes as well.
A sisterhood is not a destination, it is a journey. And these ladies have come together to support each other through the thick and thin – whether that’s their tires or the difficulties they face on the road.
Road Angels
However twisty the road may be, however rough the bumps, these Angels dominate the two-lane roads of Singapore. Or wherever they might be.
Nur Isliani Ishak, 34, founded this sisterhood on 15 August 2014 and it is their passion and unity that binds them together. Their motto proclaims that: “It’s not about what we ride or where we ride to. It’s about our common passion for the road. Sticks in a bundle can't be broken. There is strength in unity, it's called sisterhood. Every biker is a sister. We don't become friends, we become [sic] family.”
(Image: Road Angels - Founder and Team Leader of Road Angels doing road marshal for Hari Raya charity ride)
After a fateful “random meet-up with the lady bikers they came across on Facebook”, they immediately “got very close and form [sic] the group.” And although they currently only have eight members officially, they clearly have a strong kinship. Because of their youth (in their 20s and 30s), their high energy levels permit them to meet often. Our source at Road Angels told us, “We normally meet on the last weekend of the month for dinner and ride around Singapore. If time permits, we would ride up to Malaysia.”
They are bold and unafraid to hit the road, riding their bikes with a confidence that only true women possess. They said, “There is nothing that separate [sic] us from the male biker groups. Once on the bike we're all equal. No gender discrimination.” Well said, Road Angels, well said.
(Image: Road Angels - Group photo after dinner and ride out)
(Image: Road Angels - Group photo with our founder on her wedding day)
Their main problem on the road is their physical disposition. “Perhaps to some ladies, being petite and short could be the difficulty in terms of handling the bike while moving or when stationary,” our source mentioned. “But practice makes everything better.” You’ve heard it here, ladies! Practice makes perfect.
With a last note of guidance, the Road Angels cautioned that a “common accident for most bikers” is riding in someone’s “blind spot”. They cautioned to “ride up ahead of them or far enough behind that if they suddenly switch lanes without signalling, you won't get hit.”
Singapore Female Riders
(Image: Singapore Female Riders)
One such sisterhood is the Singapore Female Riders (SFR). Founded by Kcarol M Liew, 23, through a number of Facebook groups, the SFR was built with the motto: All The Gear, All The Time!
Age is just a number conjured to place people in limiting narrow-mindedness, that of which the Singapore Female Riders have broken through. There is no awkwardness in between the ages of 18 and 55 for this 120-member group, no age gap they cannot conquer. For it is not just their love for motorcycles that brought them together, it is their genuine desire for human, female connection. Our source from SFR wisely said, “Females are generally more cohesive and loving,” which is why they “tend to talk not only about motorcycles, but care for each other genuinely”.
They take the time out of their own busy schedules to meet with each other and strengthen their sisterly bond. Whether it is getting coffee together “to chill and talk about their day” or “taking pictures of their motorcycles together”, they definitely live up to their goal of being “a group of Singaporean female riders who meet up for rides and share experiences about being a female rider in Singapore”.
Their advice for a novice female rider is one that can also be applied to life. “The road ahead may be tough, but you can do it!”
(Image: Singapore Female Riders)
One reason why this all-female group is so important to their hearts is because, “There are many motorcycle groups in Singapore. However, none cater to ‘all females’…Besides, most motorcycle groups consist of male riders.” Our source also mentioned the number one difficulty they face being a female motorcyclist on the road, “Being females, as we are aesthetically smaller than the frames of men, we tend to lose out for a bit… Adding on to it, the stereotype of "females can't ride/drive" did not help… We face inconsiderate riders/drivers. Some will try to push us to a corner just because we are females. We also face difficulties in finding a suitable parking spot… With these in mind, Singapore Female Rider is formed with the notion of bringing females together, encouraging each other and telling them they can do it.”
(Image: Singapore Female Riders 1st Official photoshoot)
But just because it is a common problem to have does not make it excusable.
(Image: Singapore Female Riders)
We salute you, Singapore Female Riders and Road Angels! Thank you for taking the steps to making motorcycling a gender-neutral sport and opening up your arms to your fellow female riders in Singapore, creating a safe haven for motorcycle enthusiasts young or old.
You can find the Singapore Female Riders here:
Facebook – Singapore Female Riders
Twitter – @sgpfemaleriders
Instagram – @singaporefemaleriders
Road Angels:
Facebook – Road Angels15
Instagram - @road_angels_
Amend of Article: An earlier version of this story made an incorrect reference of Road Angels founder's name. This has now been corrected. We are sorry for the error.