In 1895, cyclist Ann Strong declared “I can’t see but that a wheel is just as good company as most husbands” and that she would likely “talk to one inanimate object as another; and I’d a great deal rather talk to one that can’t answer than one that won’t.” This history of women and bicycles is threaded through with such statements, but to simplify the book with the idea of just being about women would be inaccurate.

Women used the bicycle as a means of transport but also as a means to freedom. Unfortunately, the bicycle was not designed for a woman. The bicycle had to be altered to fit a women’s dress, and early bicycles weighed 50 pounds or more, making the endeavor even more difficult. Women persevered, discovering the joy of riding.

The book would be enjoyable to anyone wanting to learn the history of cycling or interested in the history of women’s rights. Because of the amount of text, I would recommend this to an older child or an adult.