An old black and white photo showing two Black women and two Black men posing with bicycles. The women are wearing high-collared white blouses with dark mid-calf skirts (or possibly bloomers). The men are wearing dark suits. All four are wearing hats and looking straight at the camera.

Bike Books I Recommend: Women on Wheels

Women’s emancipation* and the history of bicycling go hand in handlebars. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many outstanding women leaders in the movements for better bicycling and safer streets; I just wish each and every one of them…Continue Reading

South Sound Short & Sweet Bike Tour

First, a note about comments: If you’re here because I shared the link in a social media space, your answer over there helps me. Your answer here, in the comment section, helps anyone who may find this post in a…Continue Reading

Another excerpt from The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine (Volume 54, May-October 1897), “Dangers and Benefits of the Bicycle” by A.L. Benedict, MD (who apparently had quite the fondness for incredibly long paragraphs) EFFECTS ON CLOTHING AND MORALS. The bicycle seems destined to effect…Continue Reading

Old illustration of a woman on a bike wearing a full-skirted dress

After the post with a round-up of links to the connections between women and biking, I thought you might enjoy a taste of the writing of those long-ago days. Here’s an excerpt from The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine (Volume 54, May-October 1897),…Continue Reading

An old black and white photo showing two Black women and two Black men posing with bicycles. The women are wearing high-collared white blouses with dark mid-calf skirts (or possibly bloomers). The men are wearing dark suits. All four are wearing hats and looking straight at the camera.

The Bicycle and Women’s Independence

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…Continue Reading