During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women began to escape some of their restrictions by riding bicycles. Despite strong opposition from men, women cycled on, and the bicycle became an instrument of change that subverted the status quo and became a powerful symbol of women's emancipation. In this post, Andrew McLaughlin tells us all about the extraordinary role played … [Read more...]
Why do Women’s Bike Frames Have a Dropped Crossbar?
Most people assume that crossbars were dropped on women's bikes to make it possible to ride with dresses. However, the primary reason was more scandalous than that! This post traces the design history of bikes with dropped crossbars, and reveals the surprising recent change in the gendered association of the dropped crossbar. I have previously written for Average Joe Cyclist … [Read more...]
Remembering Bikes in Military History
Today is Memorial Day - a day to remember fallen heroes. This is a post and video about the remarkable role that bicycles have played in military history. Memorial Day is a good time to think about the meaning of this important public holiday. This is a day to honor those who died serving the USA in military service. The holiday was established after the Civil War as Decoration … [Read more...]
Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day to all! Memorial Day is today, so it's a good time to think about the meaning of this important public holiday. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who died serving the USA in military service. The holiday was established after the Civil War as Decoration Day, a day when soldier's graves would be decorated. The name was gradually changed to Memorial Day over … [Read more...]
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus
In 1897 an 8-year-old girl, Virginia O'Hanlon, wrote to a New York City newspaper, The Sun, to ask whether there really was a Santa Claus. One of the editors, Francis Pharcellus Church, answered her letter in an editorial. The editorial became the most repeated editorial in any newspaper, ever. And I am repeating it here, because the philosophy of the editorial is timeless and … [Read more...]
