How Bicycle Became A Symbol Of Liberation For 19th Century Women

The bicycle, a symbol of freedom and mobility, played an important role in reshaping women's lives in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It served not only as a mode of transportation but also as a catalyst for change in women's fashion and societal roles. Let's understand the intertwined relationship between bicycles, fashion, and feminism, and uncover a narrative of empowerment as explained by Einav Rabinovitch-Fox.

The Bicycle: A Vehicle for Change

Since its inception in the early 1800s, the bicycle has been synonymous with progress and liberation. However, it was the introduction of the safety bicycle in 1885 that truly revolutionized transportation. Its design, featuring two equally sized wheels with air-filled rubber tires, made cycling more accessible to the masses. Crucially, the dropped-frame design of the safety bicycle accommodated women's attire, paving the way for their increased participation in cycling.

As more women took to cycling, traditional views criticizing the perceived impropriety of women straddling a bicycle and using their legs to propel it started to diminish. Riding a bicycle under one's own power and going wherever desired became not only a representation of freedom but also a practical path to liberation and autonomy.

The Start Of A Fashionable Freedom

The popularity of cycling among women sparked a revolution in fashion, challenging traditional norms and expectations. The bicycle's rise coincided with the loosening of corsets and the revival of bloomers — a symbolic departure from restrictive clothing associated with Victorian ideals. Suffragists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton welcomed these changes, recognising them as a step towards gender equality.

Navigating Norms From Fashion To Feminism

While cycling offered newfound freedom, it also presented challenges for women navigating societal expectations. Despite the comfort and practicality of bloomers, many women hesitated to adopt them, fearing social scrutiny. Instead, they sought fashionable alternatives like divided skirts and "short" skirts, striking a balance between style and functionality.

The Rainy Day Club: Advocates for Change

In 1896, a group of New York women founded the Rainy Day Club, advocating for the practicality and elegance of the short skirt. Dubbed "Rainy Daisies" by the press, these women embraced cycling-inspired fashion as a symbol of modernity and progress. Their efforts to promote comfortable attire for everyday use resonated with women across various professions, sparking a shift in mainstream fashion.

A Legacy of Fashion Forward Liberation

While the Rainy Day Club's influence may have blurred over time, its legacy lives on in the evolution of women's fashion. As the 20th century progressed, the club's emphasis on simplicity and functionality found expression in the liberated styles of the flapper era. By prioritizing comfort and mobility, women continued to challenge societal norms and redefine femininity.

The bicycle, with its transformative impact on women's lives, remains a symbol of empowerment and liberation. By blending mobility with fashion, women of the late 19th and early 20th centuries carved out a new identity in the public sphere. Through their pursuit of comfort, style, and freedom, they reshaped societal perceptions and paved the way for future generations of empowered women.