The Awful Effects of Velocipeding

The Awful Effects of Velocipeding

The bicycle, along with the self-assertive New Woman who was often depicted riding it, is a symbol of women's rights. Experiencing the freedom of greater mobility also led women to push for emancipation in other areas of public life. Such are the "awful effect of velocipeding." As this image suggests, the bicycle put women on an equal footing with men—here, the female cyclist clearly 'wins' this encounter with this man, who is knocked clear off his bike while she continues on her path forward. The image also conveys social attitudes about the New Woman cyclist: that she is brash and dangerous.

c. 1890's