The article that follows combines both my love of history and cycling. I posted it a while ago on my history blog but thought that readers here might enjoy it also.
I came across it on Lists of note It was published in 1895 after two women dared to turn up to a cycling event in Chicago, wearing short skirts over their bloomers.
Hope it makes you smile.
DONT’S FOR WOMEN RIDERS
Don’t be a fright.
Don’t faint on the road.
Don’t wear a man’s cap.
Don’t wear tight garters.
Don’t forget your toolbag
Don’t attempt a “century.”
Don’t coast. It is dangerous.
Don’t boast of your long rides.
Don’t criticize people’s “legs.”
Don’t wear loud hued leggings.
Don’t cultivate a “bicycle face.”
Don’t refuse assistance up a hill.
Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit.
Don’t neglect a “light’s out” cry.
Don’t wear jewelry while on a tour.
Don’t race. Leave that to the scorchers.
Don’t wear laced boots. They are tiresome.
Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you.
Don’t go to church in your bicycle costume.
Don’t wear a garden party hat with bloomers.
Don’t contest the right of way with cable cars.
Don’t chew gum. Exercise your jaws in private.
Don’t wear white kid gloves. Silk is the thing.
Don’t ask, “What do you think of my bloomers?”
Don’t use bicycle slang. Leave that to the boys.
Don’t go out after dark without a male escort.
Don’t without a needle, thread and thimble.
Don’t try to have every article of your attire “match.”
Don’t let your golden hair be hanging down your back.
Don’t allow dear little Fido to accompany you
Don’t scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.
Don’t discuss bloomers with every man you know.
Don’t appear in public until you have learned to ride well.
Don’t overdo things. Let cycling be a recreation, not a labor.
Don’t ignore the laws of the road because you are a woman.
Don’t try to ride in your brother’s clothes “to see how it feels.”
Don’t scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first, she will run.
Don’t cultivate everything that is up to date because you ride a wheel.
Don’t emulate your brother’s attitude if he rides parallel with the ground.
Don’t undertake a long ride if you are not confident of performing it easily.
Don’t appear to be up on “records” and “record smashing.” That is sporty.
Two female cyclists dressed in typical cycling outfit in the 1890s
“In the 19th Century, Australian tailors offered cycling outfits for the discerning female rider, including such essentials as: bolero coat with bell sleeves; cambric shirt or loose front for the summer months; fitted waistcoat; divided skirt; white or grey dogskin gloves with ventilated leather palms; hat, secured with a pin; long lace up boots or shoes that do not cramp toes; light woollen stockings, to protect the skin from knocks and mud
source: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/freewheeling
I just loved this! Remember the slogan “we’ve come a long way, baby”? (they could have left “baby” out)! I guess the authors assumed that women were dingle-berries with no sense, then to hop on a bike in a skirt and hat no less! This was fun to read and makes me grateful I was born in the second half of the 20th century! Read on #MLSTL and also shared on Mix!
I’m also thankful I wasn’t born in that era Terri. It would have been very frustrating to be female
What a fun read, Jen and for someone who can’t ride a bike I’ll keep it in mind if I ever learn. Love the outfits they wore in the 1890s so different to today! Thanks for sharing and being part of #MLSTL I appreciate you linking up each week with us. Have a beautiful day! xx
I agree Sue, the outfits are great l. But not sure how comfortable riding in them would be
OMG Some of these are absolutely hilarious! My fave is don’t scream if you meet a cow. LOL
I’ve tried to pick a favourite Jo, but can’t decide.
The funny thing is that there should also be a list of things we don’t want to see on cyclists today – including lycra when you’re not a competitive rider – or when you’re sitting in a coffee shop! Not to mention men with shaved legs and all the angry looks that speeding cyclists have – maybe they need to loosen up and enjoy the ride – maybe even break the old rules and coast a little 🙂
#MLSTL 🙂
Coasting can definitely be good for the soul Leanne.
Several of my friends compete in Triathlons but because I don’t heal nearly as quickly as I did when I was younger and, as we all know, gravity works, I’ve decided cycling is NOT for me. I don’t think many of my female tri friends would participate, either, if these were the modern wardrobe requirements! #MLSTL
I can’t imagine riding in these costumes
All I can say is WOW! So glad I didn’t live back then ♥
Thanks for sharing Jen. I’m not sure where to start with all that great advice! Perhaps the saddest thing is “Don’t appear in public until you’ve learned to ride well.” How are you going to learn to ride, if you don’t go out in public? Carry on riding your bike however you like. I for one am not a fan of the bike–due to the whole gravity thing. Three months after my fall, my knee is finally healed, though still scarred.
Sorry to hear you had s fall Christie. I’ve had a few over the years. But still love cycling