The bicycle was a significant invention of the 19th century. The first bicycles did not give very smooth rides, and one improvement was the penny farthing bicycle, in which the large front wheel would glide over cobble stones.

The cost of an early bicycle was 6 month's pay for an average worker, so it was enjoyed predominently by young men of means. As the quality and workmenship of bicycles increased, young women found that they had increased mobility.

According to "PeddlingHistory.com" :
The bicycle was what made the Gay Ninties gay. It was a practical investment for the working man as transportation, and gave him a much greater flexibility for leisure. Ladies, heretofore consigned to riding the heavy adult size tricycles that were only practical for taking a turn around the park, now could ride a much more versatile machine and still keep their legs covered with long skirts. The bicycle craze killed the bustle and the corset, instituted "common-sense dressing" for women and increased their mobility considerably. In 1896 Susan B. Anthony said that "the bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world."

Interesting note about the art of 5 women cyclists above: we sometimes receive requests to use our art for a good cause. (see below)

The funniest request we received was from a protest again oil dependency. A group wanted to bring attention to the cause - and they did. Our art of the 5 women in victorian dress was used in a brochure to promote the "World Naked Bike Ride," in London. The artist did not participate in the ride.