Increasing fuel prices on the bad side and the effect of environmentalism on the good side continue to increase the use of bicycles today. In this context, we see that even those who own a vehicle turn to mobile vehicles such as bicycles and scooters, at least to go to nearby workplaces.
We have become accustomed to seeing city bikes, which stand out with their ease of getting on and off, in the surrounding area. Although getting on and off these models doesn’t seem like a big plus today, it wasn’t that simple in the past. Let’s take a look at what’s going on and how it benefits women.
Bicycle production did not stop throughout the 1800s:
In this process, old bicycle types that we know were seen. The penny-farthing bicycle, with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel, appeared during this period. However, certain security problems appeared in all the models that came.
In 1885, John Kemp Starley produced a model called the rover safety bicycle, and then the name ‘safety bicycle’ (roughly ‘safety bicycle’) was used for alternative models to penny-farthing. In these bike types, it became easier to stop as the seat part is closer to the ground. In addition, tires of the same size offered a more controlled driving experience.
These bikes, which have a flat structure in the body part, were designed mostly for men:
This body structure also contributed to making the bikes more robust. But women were having problems with these cars, which looked pretty cool.
The main reason for this was the clothes:
Because in the 19th century, women’s clothes were mostly long and relatively heavy. This made it very difficult for them to get on bikes with flat frames. Despite this, there were women who broke the taboos and used these bicycles better than men, but in general, it was not considered appropriate for women to ride bicycles.
Gradually, manufacturers began to surpass it:
Seeing that women are also very interested in bicycles, manufacturers reduced the iron in the staff to lower levels so that they could ride comfortably with their long dresses after a point. However, the hassle of passing the leg over the bike was eliminated.
In addition, a guard was placed on the chain so that the skirts do not get caught in the chain. Later, models with this appearance took their place in the market as ‘bikes produced for women’. At the same time, women began to change their clothing habits to adapt to bicycles.
Okay, isn’t the same convenience provided for men now?
Even though they don’t wear long dresses, the men’s problem of throwing their legs over the bike has been eliminated. Probably for this reason, we see that they are referred to as city bikes, which both genders can prefer, rather than women’s bikes. It should be noted that the models in question gained popularity after the Second World War. This was achieved by adding an engine to them.
In addition, being heavier, holding the body in a more comfortable position and other characteristics made these bikes more preferable for everyone in the city. Since the 1900s, more and more variations of city bikes have emerged as bicycles have become more common.
Other interesting facts about the history of the bike:
- In the 19th century, women all over the world were expected to stay at home and do household chores, so cycling was not welcome and considered provocative. Others, ironically, supported this, saying that the ability to ride a bike would support motherhood.
- Bicycles, which were seen as a cheap solution to horse carriages, were also seen as a cheap solution to motor vehicles when engines were added. Nowadays, we see mostly electric ones (again as a cheap alternative).
- Annie “Londonderry” Kopchovsky is known as the first woman to tour the World with amateur cycling knowledge. The fact that he used transportation vehicles such as ships and trains at this time is the reason for some debates today. Still, it is worth admitting that it was quite unusual for a woman of that period.
You can share your thoughts on the subject in the comment section.
Sources: Sky Above Us, Bike Lock Wiki, BLW (2), Femme Cyclist, Raleigh, Gear Patrol, Bustle, Helena Maria Swanwick, Road and Adventure
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