In the late 19th century, bicycles were all the rage. It represented a new form of freedom for Americans all over the world. Sound familiar? This movement will have a significant impact on motorcycle culture in the near future.
The bicycle allowed Americans to travel their own route on their own time. Before it was invented, Americans relied heavily on trains, buses, and horses.
When the bicycle was invented, it gained popularity almost immediately. Many people even participated in bicycle touring and racing groups.
Unfortunately, most women did not participate because of the cultural beliefs and social norms of the time.
The thought of women cycling would make Americans reconsider issues such as a woman’s “place” outside the home, whether women should travel alone, whether riding a motorcycle was “too dangerous” for women, and whether it was acceptable for women to wear “more revealing” clothing while riding.
You may be wondering why we are talking about bicycles. Well, the bicycle (as we know it today) was not invented until 1885. And shortly thereafter, in 1899, the first American motorized bicycle was invented.
So these two inventions were created in the late 1800s, less than 20 years apart. This proximity of invention is one of the reasons why bicycle culture, motorized bicycle culture, and public perception of the two are very much intertwined.
These norms influenced the perspective of the average American. Unfortunately, American societal norms of the late 1800s often limited women’s advancement in society. Keep in mind that women didn’t even have the right to vote until 1920. They couldn’t open a bank account until the 1960s.
What they didn’t know, however, is that women would make great strides in motorcycling despite the odds and, frankly, become some of the coolest riders ever known.
Clothing
In the late 1800s, it was common for women to wear corsets, long skirts, and dresses.
According to the Smithsonian Institution, the “rational dress” movement encouraged women to wear clothes that allowed them to ride a bicycle. Shorter skirts and “sports corsets” became increasingly popular.
Some women even pushed social norms even further by wearing trousers (a bottom resembling men’s pants).
This movement contributed to an important transition. It helped to gradually change the culture during the bicycle fashion in America. A few years later, when the motorcycle was invented, society’s view of what was appropriate for women to wear had already begun to evolve.
Safety
In the 1880s, bicycles did not have gears. Therefore, a large front wheel was used to gain momentum. These bicycles were called high wheeler.
In addition, most roads were not paved at the time. This meant that it was quite easy for a cyclist to hit a bump and fall forward through the handlebars. It was not uncommon for riders to be seriously injured as a result.
Many Americans doubted whether women should engage in such a “dangerous” sport. Consequently, cycling groups remained “boys’ clubs”. That’s why the founding of all-female motorcycle clubs like the Motor Maids in 1940 is such an important part of history.
After the tall wheel, the safety cycle was invented. It was most similar to the bicycle we know today. Unlike the high wheel, the safe cycle had two wheels of the same size.
This version of the bicycle became increasingly popular in the 1890s. And it was recognized as more “appropriate” and “safe” for women. As a result, more women started riding after its creation.