In recent days, some social media users and officials have criticized the ban on women riding motorcycles in Iran.

Parvaneh Salahshouri, member of Congress previously had supported riding motorcycles for women as a measure that helps the traffic and makes women feel safer.

She said: “I lived in India for years and in that country, many women rode motorcycles. It was helpful both for the traffic problem and women’s security.”

Nemat Ahmadi, a lawyer, told Shargh newspaper that there is no legal restriction on women driving any transportation vehicle.

Last week, security forces arrested Shahrzad Nazifi, a Bahai citizen who is a motocross coach for women. She is now incarcerated in Evin prison.