In honor of this year’s International Women’s Day, let’s talk about women, bicycles, and FREEDOM.

Recently, I was reading an article in Hour Detroit magazine that talked about this topic. In it, author George Bulanda points out that there was a huge social and cultural significance to women bicycling at the turn of the century. George writes that: “bicycling allowed women a degree of independence they hadn’t enjoyed before. No longer did they have to ask their husbands’ permission for a jaunt in a horse and carriage or a ticket for a train ride. Instead, they could go where and when they wanted on a two-wheeler. Bicycling also freed women from restrictive fashion; it was simply unpragmatic to wear constraining corsets or clunky bustles while riding. They now wore pantaloons and free-flowing skirts.”

Likewise, in a turn-of -the-century article for the Smithsonian Institution, author Hannah S, Ostroff quotes feminist Susan B. Anthony as saying: “Bicycling … has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel … the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.”

Of course, the freedom that a bike provides is not limited to women. Here at FATWHEELS , we know firsthand how much FUN, FREEDOM & HEALTH benefits cycling can offer to people of all ages & abilities.

Recently, we received the following testimonial from Elizabeth in Orlando Florida: “I bought these for my son, who is 11 and has autism. These are SO stable, and he can now pedal the bike independently because it’s so secure. Made him feel so special, happy, and empowered to bike!”

To quote American psychiatrist, William Glasser, we as humans are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love, belonging, power, fun and freedom and I am inclined to agree. That is precisely why I am so grateful to be able to help so many amazing people get out and experience the FUN & FREEDOM of cycling.

Happy International Women’s Day ladies – keep calm and ride on!

Until next time,

Colleen