Bicycling for Ladies

Written in 1896 during the height of the bicycle craze, *Bicycling for Ladies* serves as an empowering guide for women eager to embrace the joys of cycling. Authored by Maria Ward, a co-founder of the Staten Island Bicycling Club and a passionate advocate for womens athletics, this book addresses the needs of women stepping out of restrictive clothing and into the liberating world of cycling. Ward champions practical attire, from shorter skirts to breathable waists and knickerbockers, while demystifying bicycle mechanics with clear instructions on maintenance and tools. She invites women to explore the open road, savoring the thrill of cycling holidays with friends and the newfound independence that comes with it. Echoing the sentiments of suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony, who declared that cycling has emancipated women, Ward instills a sense of freedom and self-reliance in her practical guide for beginners. (Summary by Maria Kasper)