Royal Enfield has always been associated with the armed and police forces in India for a long time now. Growing up, most of us have watched cops on shiny Royal Enfield motorcycles. However, newer bikes have been replacing older Enfields in most cities. But the manufacturer is back to being noticed and has now partnered with Bengaluru Police to create an all-women riding brigade, which is known as the "We for women." The squad will work in different areas of Bengaluru to make the city safer for women and children.
Divya Sara Thomas, IPS, DCP, City Armed Reserve Headquarters, Bengaluru, said
With more women being inducted into the force, there is a need to empower them further. Under the We for Women initiative, we have trained 15 lady sub-inspectors as of now and will continue to grow this team of motorcyclists. We want these women to lead by example and inspire other women as well while keeping the city safe.
15 women police personnel were trained in two separate phases, which started in October 2019. The women riders were introduced to bikes like Royal Enfield Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and the Classic 350 Signals. In the second phase, which happened in December 2019, the women officers rode through the regular Bengaluru traffic to get used to it.
Royal Enfield and Bengaluru Police department did a ride to Nandi Hills to commemorate the newly inducted squad of all-women riders. The trip was flagged off by Shri Bhaskar Rao, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.
The training of the women officers ensures the safety of the riders. A special team from Royal Enfield helped the riders with professional riding skills. Also, the ability-honing exercises of the women riders include riding in various kinds of terrains under different conditions and weather. This will make sure that the women squad is ready to take on any challenge.
The 15 women bikers will patrol various parts of Bengaluru to help many women and children. The new initiative from Royal Enfield and Bengaluru traffic police breaks a lot of stereotypes and makes the women forces empowered.
