March is Women’s (Bike) History Month!

It may be the most famous quote about the role of bicycling in women’s history.

In 1896, Susan B. Anthony — one of the most important leaders in the women’s suffrage movement — shared her perspective on bicycling with intrepid reporter, Nellie Bly. “Let me tell you what I think of bicycling,” she said. “I think it 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.”

Anthony wasn’t alone. Her friend and fellow suffragette, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, wrote an entire article for the American Wheelman praising the bicycle for encouraging the building of “good roads” and increasing people’s mobility. Most importantly, though: “The bicycle will inspire women with more courage, self-respect and self-reliance,” she wrote, “and make the next generation more vigorous of mind and body; for feeble mothers do not produce great statesmen, scientists and scholars.”

There’s certainly no denying the important role of bicycles in advancing women’s freedom, mobility and position in society. In fact, at the 2012 National Women’s Bicycling Forum, our opening keynote came from Sue Macy, author of “Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom.”

Since then, though, we started thinking about the other side of the coin: How have women influenced the history of the bike movement? Well, what better time than Women’s History Month — which kicks off today! During March, we’ll be featuring profiles and stories about the many women who have advanced bicycling in the United States. Some will be familiar names — like Susan B. Anthony — but we also aim to uncover and celebrate some of the lesser-known women who have made biking better for all Americans. Coming up next week, we’ll tell you about Tillie Andersen, Kittie Knox, Annie Londonderry — and more. Stay tuned! And don’t forget: The second annual National Women’s Bicycling Forum is just three days away. Online registration is closed, but you can sign up on site Monday morning!