Cycling UK Forum

plancashire wrote: ↑19 Sep 2023, 10:18pm I think this website says it all: https://bicycleforgirlsinkenya.weebly.com.

For a historical view look at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycling_and_feminism.

Thanks for those.

It's good to know it's still having beneficial effects.

That Wikipedia article needs a lot more on the contribution to women's liberation in the UK and, presumably, other countries.

Jonathan

It's said that historically, the bicycle was a great factor in boosting genetic and cultural mixing, particularly in rural areas, by allowing people to meet and marry beyond the next village.

Bmblbzzz wrote: ↑20 Sep 2023, 11:36am It's said that historically, the bicycle was a great factor in boosting genetic and cultural mixing, particularly in rural areas, by allowing people to meet and marry beyond the next village.

Yes, I had grandparents who recalled their grandparents' stories about the battles which ensued when teenaged daughters escaped for hours on their bicycles.

The liberation must have been remarkable, indeed cycling set in motion women's empowerment. For today's young people, it represents liberation from a very different set of circumstances.

a.twiddler wrote: ↑20 Sep 2023, 9:52am ...
Speaking of liberating, last year I did a longer trip on a Brompton, and apart from the ease of getting it on a train without worrying about booking, I was literally able to take it everywhere with me. It was a real eye opener, in fact. It's nice to be out on your comfortable, familiar purpose made bike but sometimes the compromises of a folder are outweighed by the sheer convenience and well, liberating, peace of mind.
...

I agree. I have a Brompton. I've used it to commute by tram and train for 19 years. WIth it I am mobile. Occasionally I have accepted lifts from colleagues and friends. It even fits in Katerina's mini. If the tram breaks down or the trains stop, I just ride away. If the station isn't where I want to be, I just cycle the difference. Children stand and stare as I fold and unfold it. It starts conversations. I take it into restaurants. None has ever refused me.

Cycled a 38 mile journey, a couple of days ago. And? Much easier than having to walk that as a partially disabled person in the UK, two weeks earlier. Had a friendly HGV and two van drivers dipping their headlights and offering a friendly beep, between 2-5am. But the 14 miles on a main A Road overnight, was otherwise empty.

Now I'm partially disabled in the UK, condemned by a NHS Dr who's never met or spoken to me, am blocked from transport in the UK. So much as a bicycle was essential as a 15-16 yr old to attend a part time job, a 43 mile round ride away? As a 51yr old, a bicycle is much preferable to the equivalent 14-28 hour journey, with a disabled, FOC disabled bus pass. Having to wait and sleep at a bus stop for 24 hours for a bus, which may or may not appear? 5 hours on a bicycle, is much better than 14-26 hours travelling on a FOC disabled bus pass

A quick 70 mile run today, that leg broken into five 10.5 months ago, still plays up a bit. But the fractured vertebrae, ribs and arm seem ok. Cycling? May be killed tomorrow on the bike, but better than relying on official means of transport, in the UK

Various bits are failing and walking has become painful - still do it but it hurts. The bikes free me from pain and allow me to visit the same sort of places that I would walk to by reducing the number of steps required. Fortunately I live in Scotland so shouty people and magic paths are not usually a factor.

Very liberating!

Just a word of thanks to everyone who, so far, has supported this (my) thread. I’ve always thought of two wheels being liberating, if not without some effort required. Setting my own experiences aside it’s been really interesting - if sometimes saddening too - to read about how liberating and sometimes essential cycling is to forum members.

The bicycle is a symbol of liberation on multiple fronts—personal, economic, environmental, and social. It empowers individuals and communities, offering them a means to overcome various constraints and lead more fulfilling lives.

My wife has never been confident of driving in Germany, so doesn't. She cycles much more than she did in Britain because it feels safer and more enjoyable. She does lots of local errands on her bike. We enjoy touring and sightseeing by bike too. For her a bike and good places to ride it is liberating. For me too.

At the age of 15 I was bought a bike and, soon after, membership of YHA. The following year I rode with a school friend to Dover, took the ferry, and spent three weeks riding across France and into Belgium. That was in 1959. Life-changing. Done a few hundred thousand miles since then. How can you put a factor on that?

Some lovely stories here : -)