Women are less likely to ride bikes than males in the United States, and part of the complicated issues of gender and biking have at least partly to do with perceptions. A recent article examines what it means to be “feminine” while riding a bike.
Inspired by a recent conversation on Twitter, Sarah Goodyear “decided to ask female friends, colleagues, and strangers how they feel about cycling, the concept of femininity, and the intersection of those two things.”
The many, diverse responses shared in the article are recommended reading for those interested in making bike a safe, comfortable activity for all humans.
Here’s a sample, featuring the word “freedom”:
“I think femininity and biking have historically gone very well together. Bicycles were an important tool in the suffragette and early feminist movements. So much so they were even referred to as ‘freedom machines.’ Which is exactly how I feel on my bicycle every time I ride, free.” –Valerie from the Wheelwomen Switchboard
“I feel the least ‘feminine’ when I'm uncomfortable in my own skin. Thankfully, that's rare -- especially when riding a bike since it's such a feeling of freedom. In fact, the first thing that popped in my head when I read your post was ‘freedom.’” -April Eileen Economides
FULL STORY: Is There Such a Thing as a 'Feminine' Way to Ride a Bike?
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