I’ve written about how riding a bike gives me a sense of freedom and independence. In celebration of the Fourth of July, here’s a round-up of items on the historical links among women, biking, and independence.

First up, a video excerpt from a documentary with some great historical images and picture at right from Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way).

• The Long and Triumphant History of Women in Cycling, on StreetsBlog
• HerStoria: Women and the Bicycle
• Bicycles and Bloomers: How Bikes Helped Revolutionize Women’s Lives
• “Strong nerves, strong legs, strong language”: Women on Bicycles, 1890
  
• Bike Independence women’s t-shirt (not an affiliate link–sharing because it’s a cool design, although it’s 100% cotton which is not cool for bikewear; they also have a ceramic go-mug, coffee cup, messenger bag, other shirt styles, and other items)

 Your Turn

• Do you have any great old photos or stories about women in your family riding bikes? I’d love to do a round-up of those for a future blog post!
• How does riding a bike contribute to your sense of independence and freedom?