women's safety and security
 

We are 2 Canadian women who are planning to travel Morocco by bicycle (mountain bike) this spring. We have Chris Scott's Morocco Overland book and are hoping to ride from Marrakesh and do a few of his off piste routes as well as the main roads. Can anyone comment on the safety and security for 2 women traveling alone by bike?

The only suggestion I would make is not to cycle in padded bike shorts only and put a baggy trouser over it. While you will survive without, it will make life much more comfortable. Have a nice ride!

Respect for riding MTB's.

As always just be careful, don't underdress, Moroccans are great people, the men may give you more attention then you want/need. Just be firm.

Enjoy Morocco and it's people, it's a great Country. Chris Scott's book is a good start.

Cheers Mark

Pay atention on the road, the bigest vehicle has preference always in Africa

Good comments above. I've seen lots of women cyclists in Morocco. I've linked in below some (non cycling) trip reports from women.

My Morocco Trip - November 2010 - Lonely Planet travel forum
Morocco Trip Report Part II: Driving - Lonely Planet travel forum

And a couple of cycling reports:
Biking Marrakesh-Tangier - Lonely Planet travel forum
crazyguyonabike.com: Bicycle Touring: South from Agadir, by Rob Hale
https://sites.google.com/site/granny...ycle-tour-2009

As above don't wear lycra shorts, keep covered up and be polite at all times. If you do feel threatened be assertive but never get angry or loose your temper.
The advice I give to any women travelling in Morocco whether alone or with a man is to keep your hair covered whenever possible; just wear a simple head scarf

I always stop for a chat whenever I meet cyclists in the rural areas, to make sure they are OK, know where they are going, have enough water, etc. Unless you are thinking of tackling some really difficult pistes, I'd go for a mid-range tyre as a full mountain bike tyre will be very tiring (ha ha) on the road.

The thought of a female cyclist wearing a hijab made me laugh.

You'll find the vast majority of Moroccans extremely friendly and accommodating and they are quite used to seeing foreign women dressed casually in regular clothes. You will feel (and are) very safe here. And, so long as you are sensible and don't walk around town in your tight lycra, you are unlikely to attract any unwanted attention.

It's a beautiful country, enjoy!

All good advice so far and the LP cycling report link shows how the guy acted on suggestions and had a much better trip than what he'd originally planned. He also found many of his reservations about Morocco unfounded.

Maybe this is your plan, but for peace of mind (and not least to save weight/bulk on the piste) use the inexpensive hotels and auberges rather than camping in campsites or wild. See the sticky about recommended accommodation.

If you're heading south it helps that Marrakech airport is south of the city, but even then I'd consider taking a bus or taxi over the High Atlas or at least to the crest. On the south side the roads, particularly in the Anti Atlas (from Tizi n Test pass), are much quieter and would make great cycling.

As the book suggesters with motos, you may find that take luggage-free day excursions from a hotel is a better way to enjoy the pistes.

Ch

Thank you everyone for all the info. We are feeling much more confident and prepared now. A special thank you to Tim and others like him who stop and check on us cyclists. We have experienced that kindness on past trips and hope to experience more in Morocco as well!

Another good thread: Solo Cycling in Morocco - short trip report - Morocco Message Board - TripAdvisor