A group of male and female Sydney cyclists is making moves to turn a negative perceptions about Muslim communities into positive ones.
"The One Nation groups and the extremists that are doing all these horrible things all over the world, they're very small in number, but they have huge platforms," says Cindy Rahal, who heads Sydney Cyclists Sisters (SCS), a growing group of 50 riders who are trying to make a difference through the riding of bicycles.
The male equivalent to SCS is Sydney's Muslim Cyclists (SMC).
Sydney Cyclists Sisters (SCS), a growing group of 50 riders who are trying to make a difference through cycling. (SBS News) Source: SBS
This group meets in the pre-dawn gloom, in the suburb of Lakemba where prayers are conducted on a patch of grass near the local railway station.
What makes this group unique from any other during Ramadan is the presence of parked bicycles and the wearing of lycra.
Following their faith and enjoying their love for the bicycle is a fine balance during the month of fasting.
"Most cyclists start early in the morning so it's normal for us," SMC President Omar El Eter said.
"We get up for morning prayers some 45 minutes before sunrise so it's just a normal day for us."
In accordance with the Islam faith, no food must be consumed between sunrise and sunset during the four week period.
This being the case, a large pre-dawn breakfast is crucial in order to survive a long ride and the rest of the day without nutrition.
"Fasting means we're not able to get the intake of food, energy, fluids," SMC member Malek Elzein said.
"The last thing you want to do is compromise your safety and health."
'Everybody is welcome'
Although the name SMC suggests the club is open to one faith, nothing could be further from the truth.
The group of 65 members invites non-Muslims with a penchant for cycling to join and spread the word. Whether you're of Islam, Christian, Hindu, or any faith for that matter, everyone is welcome.
"Don't mind the name, it's just another club, we're just trying to bridge that gap in the community," El Eter said.
"Everybody is welcome, we're all Australian."
Apart from trying to change negative perceptions, Rahal is also driven to encourage more females to take to the bicycle without intimidation.
The mother of four, who works as an occupational therapist, formed SCS as a result of the negative headlines the Islam faith has recently received.
"I was looking at ways to engage Muslim women back into the community, especially after all the negative media we've been getting because of terrorist attacks.
"It's been intimidating for women to go out and participate in any kind of sporing activities on their own."
Cycling may not be the most conventional symbol of solidarity, yet through the pushing of pedals, it's hoped common ground can pave the way to world peace.
