The beginning:

From the 2nd of October 2009 to the 2nd of January 2010 numerous initiatives took place around the world during the World March for Peace and Nonviolence.

In Toulouse, members of the association World without Wars and Violence who enjoy motor-biking had the idea to organise a gathering of bikers to show their solidarity and their commitment to peace and nonviolence.

Around 300 bikers were mobilised on the 11th of November 2009 under the banner of the association created for the occasion, “1000 bikers for Peace and Nonviolence”.

Later:

The spirit created only amplified and gave rise to more and more gatherings, walks, support actions…

So, in 2010 and 2011, in partnership with other associations such as the AEM (Myopathy support group) and Clarac, during the Telethon in Toulouse and Bikers Christmas (for children),… Bikers for Peace and Nonviolence were there.

In 2011, numerous women present in the organisation and its activities, conscious that here and elsewhere many of them could not act freely, engage and express themselves how they would like to, proposed that the main gathering of the association would take place in the framework of the International Day of Women’s Rights.

This was back in 2012!

And now:

On this 9th of March, 2013 under the slogan “1000 women, 1000 motorbikes, 1000 smiles… committed in solidarity and nonviolence,” the second gathering of bikers will take place in Toulouse,  riding in support of women around the world and particularly for those who don’t yet have the right to express themselves, have no access to education, and are often victims of brutality and subject to violence

The bikeresses, meanwhile, will use the helmet rather than the veil as a symbol of their freedom of action.

Riding together to denounce the violence, injustice and discrimination towards the greater part of humanity, and supporting all women in their struggle for their freedom of action, of expression, of life, and making as visible as possible this solidarity with joy and enthusiasm, is what these brave people will offer us.

And after:

The association plans to grow with more involvement of its members, so broadening the possibilities for action.

With support from the biking world and its activities, they have the aims of:

  • Developing a network of male and female bikers engaged in support of life, peace and nonviolence.
  • Participate in the construction of a culture of Peace and Nonviolence.
  • Help to evolve the image of the biker and the bikeress!
  • Support and help associations already involved.

Contact: 1000motardes@gmail.com, or telephone 06 22 65 78 04 / 06 07 21 45 07