“Let me tell you what I think of the bicycle. It has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a sense of freedom and self-confidence. I appreciate every time I see a woman cycling... an image of freedom”. Susan Anthony, one of the most important American suffragette leaders, said this at the beginning of the 20th century, praising the libertarian power represented by women and their bicycles at the time.
More than a century later, the image of flowing hair and the graceful rhythmic movement of pedaling still brings out the feelings of freedom and independence in the – still timid – conquest of public space by women. In this context, the importance of the bicycle in exploring the city is clear, and therefore, one more reason to celebrate and encourage its use, especially on World Bicycle Day, celebrated on June 3rd.
