By: Shannon Mo
The first bicycle was invented by German Inventor Karl von Drais in 1817. However, the
bike had no brakes, and one gigantic wheel, followed by a very small one. It was
challenging to ride, and only experts could attempt it. However, the modern bicycle, or
‘safety bicycle’ we recognize today was invented in 1885. With its two equal-sized
wheels, chain drive, and pneumatic tires, the safety bicycle made cycling accessible to
the general public. Cycling quickly gained popularity, particularly among one significant
group–women. No longer confined to the constraints of horse-drawn carriages or
dependent on male chaperones, women embraced cycling as a means of travel, exercise,
and social engagement. Cycling became a fitness activity in which both men and women
could participate; some women even joined coveted cycling clubs. The bicycle influenced
fashion too, as women began preferring designs that would make it easier to ride,
valuing bloomers and trousers over restricting Victorian-era dresses. The value of
function and comfort gave women a new sense of mobility and autonomy.
bike had no brakes, and one gigantic wheel, followed by a very small one. It was
challenging to ride, and only experts could attempt it. However, the modern bicycle, or
‘safety bicycle’ we recognize today was invented in 1885. With its two equal-sized
wheels, chain drive, and pneumatic tires, the safety bicycle made cycling accessible to
the general public. Cycling quickly gained popularity, particularly among one significant
group–women. No longer confined to the constraints of horse-drawn carriages or
dependent on male chaperones, women embraced cycling as a means of travel, exercise,
and social engagement. Cycling became a fitness activity in which both men and women
could participate; some women even joined coveted cycling clubs. The bicycle influenced
fashion too, as women began preferring designs that would make it easier to ride,
valuing bloomers and trousers over restricting Victorian-era dresses. The value of
function and comfort gave women a new sense of mobility and autonomy.
However, the growing popularity of cycling among women was not without its
detractors. This cycling phenomenon perplexed, and most importantly–frightened–the
male population; thus, ‘bicycle face’ syndrome was born. Symptoms include: ‘blintering’
eyes, look of deep concern, flushed cheeks, and square jaws. ‘Bicycle face’ was circulated
by physicians everywhere, warning women of the dangers of the bicycle. Some even
stated that cycling women were in danger of becoming “physically ‘overpowering’,
‘losing her sweeter traits’, [and] ‘hard and selfish’” [1] To me, ‘bicycle face’ is a symbol of
struggle, perseverance, and power. For women during the late 19th century, these three
things challenged the patriarchal system and the gender norms that restricted women.
Despite these attempts to undermine women’s enthusiasm for cycling, the bicycle
emerged as a powerful symbol of female empowerment and liberation.
Bicycles became the main method of transportation for suffragists like Susan B.
Anthony and Frances E. Willard to meet, share, and become involved in politics without
relying on men for transportation. Cycling mobilized women, giving them a means to
participate in rallies and demonstrations. It even became a vehicle for women to
challenge gender expectations, made evident by ‘bicycle face’. So, next time you find
yourself riding a bike, take a moment to remember the bold women who defied all
expectations to pedal toward equality.
References/Further Reading:
[1] Marland, Hilary. “‘Bicycle-Face’ and ‘Lawn Tennis’ Girls: Debating Girls’ Health in
Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century British Periodicals.” Media History, vol.
25, no. 1, 2019, pp. 70–84, https://doi.org/10.1080/13688804.2017.1381551.
