When women started riding bicycles, it was considered shocking. A bicycle has to be, you know, straddled. Plus there was the possibility that a bicyclist might wear a split skirt…or, worse, bloomers.
Plus there was always the chance her ankles might show.
Susan B Anthony is reported to have said that bicycles have “done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world…it gives a woman a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. The moment she takes her seat she knows she can’t get into harm unless she gets off her bicycle, and away she goes, the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.”
And now, more than a century later? I’m not sure that bikes are still a feminist vehicle, but they are certainly an alternative means of transportation.
My column about the pleasure – and serious perils – of bike riding in Abu Dhabi appears today in The National. Click here to read the article – and then feel free to share the article with all your bike-loving friends.
Look, if the women in this picture can ride bikes in long skirts and truly ridiculous hats, you can ride your bike to the grocery store.
photo image credit here
Untrammeled. Mmmmm word porn.
Arnebya recently posted..Because
yes, i love that word. somehow it always comes to mind when i am shedding my work clothes at the end of the day. and it occurs to me that politicians and public figures don’t really talk like that any more – what with the polysyllabic & all. Bummer, I think.
I would love to ride my bike to get around the city, but honestly, I’m scared to ride it anywhere but on trails. Although Chicago has implemented bike lanes and even lanes protected by permanent pylons, it’s hard enough trusting other drivers while I’m driving my car. Recently, a man riding to work was killed after he avoided being doored and was run over by a semi. This happens way too often, as signified by the white bicycle sculptures I see in various neighborhoods that memorialize fallen cyclists. Fortunately, we do have a really good public transportation system as an alternative and more eco-friendly way of getting around. Well, as opposed to cars.
Bee recently posted..An Unusual Thanksgiving?
those white “ghost bikes” are disturbing, aren’t they? they’re around nyc too. chicago seems (until winter) to be pretty bike-friendly, although that’s based on observations from years ago. the bike lanes in nyc are fantastic – although still a bit nerve-wracking….cars like to double-park in the bike lanes, which can make things interesting…
I live in Chicago, too, so of course I was thinking about the same story Bee just told you!
I love to walk, and my girls and I walk to a lot of different places. 🙂 I love that quote from Susan B. Anthony!
Ginny Marie recently posted..No Birthday Cake Here
Love your intro Off to read.