Women and the Bicycle: Freedom to Explore the American Landscape

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail offers abundant opportunities for biking across its braided network. There is something for everybody, whether it be a leisurely ride through the scenery, mountain biking, trail biking, or road biking. Since the bicycle came to America in the late 19th century, people have explored and adventured into different parts of the American landscape they never could before. With the bicycle came a newfound freedom, particularly for women.  

 

Frances Benjamin Johnston, an American photojournalist, satirically dressed as a man posing with the Penny Farthing bicycle.

Library of Congress / Prints and Photographs Divison

A New Bike Model Paves the Way

One of the first bicycle models in America was a high-wheel bicycle known as the Penny Farthing, which was replaced in the 1880s with the Rover Safety Bicycle. The Rover Safety Bicycle was a sharp contrast to the original model, with its lower seat, lower wheels, and increased stability and maneuverability. This new model increased the popularity of the bicycle, making it more practical to a wider audience, including women. An activity that was commonly associated with a dangerous and thrilling pursuit for men shifted into a co-ed activity. The lower seats also made it more practical for women to ride in dresses and skirts.

Independence and Exploration
The bicycle emerged in America in the middle of the Suffrage Movement and served as a tool for empowerment by providing the freedom for women to venture onto the open road. Women could travel on their own to work, social gatherings, or simply for their own enjoyment, without relying on public transportation or men. Travelling independently fostered self-reliance and an opportunity explore the outdoors. It also provided an opportunity to develop a set of skills traditionally only available to men, such as mechanics, physiology, and geography.

 

Advertisement for a magazine issue depicting a woman's ability to engage in physical activity.

Library of Congress / Prints and Photographs Division

The Image of a Woman on a Bicycle

Many people believed that women were too weak to ride bicycles, that it would take value away from their appearance, and that the physical activity would take away their ability to have children. The image of a woman on a bicycle challenged these notions of fragility and weakness, representing a woman's ability to partake in strenuous activity. Women taking up cycling contributed to the shift in societal perceptions about women’s role in society and furthered the idea they too should have a space to enjoy and recreate in the outdoors. When gears were incorporated on the bicycle, people could travel even further in the outdoors, as changing gears made it easier to adapt to different terrains. This further opened up the door for women to explore the natural world.

Women and the Bicycle Today

Cycling remains a male-dominated arena, but the popularity of women’s cycling continues to grow. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail offers a variety of cycling opportunities, and anyone can explore the outdoors and natural resources along its corridor.  Visit Bicycling and the PHT Network for more information on where to bike along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.