The bicycle, the ally of women in their struggle |Colombia signal

The bicycle as a vehicle has played an important role in women's struggle for their rights throughout history, helping to transform their reality into each pedaling.We tell you about what has happened when the woman has been empowered through a bike.

Those were the words of the American feminist and suffragist, Susan B.Anthony, in a talk with Nellie Bly, and perhaps there is no more true phrase than this if we discovered how the bike was an ally since the 19th century.

The bicycle has a long history and although it is not known if it was invented by a Scottish (Kirkpatrick Macmillan) or some French blacksmiths (Pierre and Ernest Michaux), what is certain is that it was created in Europe in 1800 and that at that time ofThe story there was a greater permeation thanks to its price dropped.

Freedom of movement

The first change appeared with freedom of movement.Now, to travel, women should not be subjected to her husband, but could take the bicycle and take the way where they would like.

Annie Cohen Kopchovsky was one of the women who revolutionized the world of her bicycle and in 1894 she agreed to turn the world riding a bicycle.

Annie accepted the challenge of two men who assured that no woman could turn the world by bicycle.In addition, they agreed to give 5 thousand dollars to those who achieved it.

He left onJune 25, 1894 with a bicycle of more than 40 kilos and wearing a skirt."Londnderry", as they nicknamed her promotion during the trip with the company Londnderry Lithia Spring Water, returned 15 months later wearing bombing pants and becoming an defender of the fight for female cycling and women's rights of women.

Outfit

The second change he generated was in the dress.The skirts and corsets that were used at the time of Queen Victoria and of the United Kingdom were changing, little by little, for bombing pants that helped pedaling.

Amelia Bloomer and Elizabeth Stanton were key in this regard.Cyclists criticized Victorian clothing, which prevented pedaling on the bicycle.

In 1851, Amanza and Elizabeth met Libby Miller, who taught them some bombings called Bloomers.Both pedalists popularized this garment, which not only served to break the dress codes of the time, but it was a symbol against femininity stereotypes.

As expected, the rejection of society came and disapproval came with myths that scratched the fantastic.The fear that the women set up a bicycle came to such an extent that the scientific and medical articles of the time focused on the dangers of two wheels.

"Bicycle face" disease were invented.This condition was characterized, according to doctors of the time, by jumping eyes, stiff jaw and a demacrated face, the more symptoms.

Mentions of the "bicycle face" disease between 1800 and 2018.

Googling How To Properly Cut Tomatoes and Radishes.#Adulthood

— Steph Osorio SunJan 10 19:51:16 +0000 2016

The English doctor to.Shadwell related bicycle to appendicitis and goiter - abnormal treatment of the thyroid gland - in an article entitled "The dark dangers of cycling" and published by the National Review.

Source: Sheila Hanlon

In addition, the New York World published in 1895 a list of prohibitions for women cyclists.Some of them were:

Bicycle in women's social struggles

The use of bicycle with myths such as sterility, abortion and sexual excitement also related.All, a lie to avoid the empowerment that was gestured thanks to the bike.

Women, however, did not fall into society's traps.These myths were discussed by feminist organizations that allowed them more and more women to rise to the bike.(We tell you about some women's groups to ride a bike in Colombia)

One of the books that were made regarding how to ride a bicycle was "bicycle ladies how to dress and behavior standards" of F.J.Erskine.The Victorian author, who set up a bike, sought to give advice to other women about the use of bikes.Here issues such as clothing, bicycle, the right way to walk, how to make dangerous crosses, maintenance and much more are addressed here.(Read here the first chapter of the book)

The bicycle also accompanied Kittie Knox, a black woman who fought against racial and gender segregation.Kittie is remembered for challenging the American Cyclist League (League of American Wheelmen) when arriving with a membership at the 1895 meeting.The statutes of the League did not allow women and much less affected as members as members.

The bicycle became a vehicle of the female struggle.Susan Anthony, American civil rights leader, commented an interview in 1896 that gave women's feelings of freedom and security to women."Every time I see a woman on a bicycle I am glad, because it is the image of freedom," he said.

Art also portrayed the change that the bicycle brought for women.In the woman smoking by bicycle (Circa 1900) a cycling woman is seen smoking, an element socially associated with men and that was done to pass without problems when riding a bicycle.

Woman smoking by bicycle (Circa 1900)

The bicycle in sport

In the sports field, the Belgian Hélène Dutrieu and the Swedish Tillie Anderson marked the history of cycling at a competitive level and are considered pioneers of sport in the female branch.

The first broke the record of the hour with 16 years, in 1893.He was also a plane pilot, vehicle risk driver, ambulance driver in the war, director of a military hospital and actress.

The second, on the other hand, was one of the best pedalists in the world despite the fact that his mother, brother and bible professor failed to handle a bicycle.Tilie was a bicycle defender and promoted bicycle lanes in the Chicago parks.

Later, the Italian Alfonsina Strada appeared.The pedalist is recognized for being the first woman to compete in races of men such as the Lombardy Giro (1917 and 1918) and the Tour of Italy (1924), and take the victory in more than 36 competitions against men.

To the Corsa Rosa was won by his invitation thanks to a promotional crisis that led the organization to admit individual corridors.His name was formalized 3 days before the race and the stage between L'Aquila and Perugia marked his disqualification.However, thanks to the exhibition he had had, the judges decided to let her continue, although without her time being accounted for.That was the first and only time in which a woman participated in the Tour of Male Italy.

The bicycle today

Today, the fight that accompanies the bicycle has not ceased.In Afghanistan, for example, women still fight for the right to go on their bike and are prey to both verbal and physical offenses.

In addition, in our time, big bicycle houses have generated "steel horse" for women.This is the case of Giant, which has a brand for women called Liv.In addition, Specialized, Trek, Scott and Cannyon have entered this market segment.

What do you think are the challenges of women in cycling today?