Reader David Pertuz thought LGRAB readers would be particularly interested in a post on the Detroit blog m-bike.org written by Todd Scott, called 1895: Don’ts for women riders. (Thanks, David!) That’s right – 41 “don’ts” to be exact, from an 1895 article in New York World. The list is both hilarious and horrifying. We are lucky to be looking at this from 115 years in the future.
A few of my favorites:
- Don’t be a fright.
- Don’t faint on the road.
- Don’t boast of your long rides.
- Don’t refuse assistance up a hill.
- Don’t imagine everybody is looking at you.
- Don’t ask, “What do you think of my bloomers?
- Don’t go out after dark without a male escort.
- Don’t appear in public until you have learned to ride well.
- Don’t ignore the laws of the road because you are a woman.
- Don’t scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first, she will run.
In his post, Todd makes a good point:
For those who get nostalgic for that 1890s golden era of cycling, it’s important to realize it wasn’t golden for everyone. Major Taylor can vouch for that.
Yeah, really. I enjoy Tweed Rides, but there’s no way men would have “let” me join them back in the day for a drinking ride from pub to pub, especially with all my fainting, screaming, and bloomer talk.
Full list of “don’ts” at the original m-bike post.
What’s your favorite “don’t”?