“Don’t Scratch a Match on the Seat of Your Bloomers” and 46 Other Rules for Women Cyclists...

The humble bicycle played an important part in women’s history, helping to redefine conventions of femininity during the women’s rights movements of the late 19th century. “As women learned to ride bicycles they not only gained physical mobility that broadened their horizons beyond the neighborhoods in which they lived, they discovered a new-found sense of freedom of movement, a freedom previously circumscribed by the cumbersome fashions of the Victorian era as well as by Victorian sensibilities.” But who would have thought that bike riding was such a drama for a woman back in the day!! An article published in the Newark Daily Advocate, dated 21 July 1895, gives a list of 41 Dont’s for Women Riders, and it really has to be read to be believed! Here’s a transcription of the list: Don’t be a fright. Don’t faint on the road. Don’t wear a man’s cap. Don’t wear tight garters. Don’t forget your toolbag Don’t attempt a “century.” Don’t coast. It is dangerous. Don’t criticise people’s “legs.” Don’t boast of your long rides. Don’t wear loud hued leggings. Don’t cultivate a “bicycle face.” Don’t refuse assistance up a hill. Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit. Don’t “talk bicycle” at the table. Don’t neglect a “light’s out” cry. Don’t wear jewelry while on a tour. Don’t race. Leave that to the scorchers. Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you. Don’t go to church in your bicycle costume. Don’t wear laced boots. They are tiresome. Don’t keep your mouth open on dirty roads. Don’t converse while in a scorching position. Don;t go out after dark without a male escort. Don’t contest the right of way with cable cars. Don’t wear a garden party hat with bloomers. Don’t wear white kid gloves. Silk is...

A List of Dont’s for Women on Bicycles Circa 1895...

The humble bicycle played an important part in women’s history, helping to redefine conventions of femininity during the women’s rights movements of the late 19th century: “As women learned to ride bicycles they not only gained physical mobility that broadened their horizons beyond the neighborhoods in which they lived, they discovered a new-found sense of freedom of movement, a freedom previously circumscribed by the cumbersome fashions of the Victorian era as well as by Victorian sensibilities.” But who would have thought that bike riding was such a drama for a woman back in the day. I do believe this list of 41 “dont’s” which was originally published by the New York World in 1895, would encourage most women to even forget about heading out for a ride … but then again, maybe that was the idea! It’s not known whether the author/s were male or female, but either way this list has to be read to be believed. Don’t be a fright. Don’t faint on the road. Don’t wear a man’s cap. Don’t wear tight garters. Don’t forget your toolbag Don’t attempt a “century.” Don’t coast. It is dangerous. Don’t boast of your long rides. Don’t criticize people’s “legs.” Don’t wear loud hued leggings. Don’t cultivate a “bicycle face.” Don’t refuse assistance up a hill. Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit. Don’t neglect a “light’s out” cry. Don’t wear jewelry while on a tour. Don’t race. Leave that to the scorchers. Don’t wear laced boots. They are tiresome. Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you. Don’t go to church in your bicycle costume. Don’t wear a garden party hat with bloomers. Don’t contest the right of way with cable cars. Don’t chew gum. Exercise your jaws in private. Don’t wear...