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The bicycle liberates both
men and women
A
s we looked at years of old photographs
of Coromandel towns, many of the
1890s street scenes featured the
familiar horses and wagons. And then bicycles
became part of the scene. And not just for
men, but many women were also astride, with
their long skirts and big sunhats.
The bicycle appeared first on the scene in the
form of the velocipede, aka ‘bone shaker’.
These soon evolved into the elegant ‘high
wheelers’, known as penny farthings, which
were often manufactured in NZ by ironmongers,
carriage builders or farm equipment shops.
Popular among wealthy young men, these
offered adventure and speed, but were also
dangerous due to the lack of modern features
like efficient brakes. Additionally the fact that
they were useless on the rough and hilly roads
of most of the country, ensured that they were
seldom used for anything other than sport and
recreation. Most men were already well on
board for a bike ride, a race – and even tricks
– sitting high atop their big wheeled penny
farthing contraptions.
THE SAFETY BICYCLE
Then came the ‘safety bicycle’ in the 1880s
with major design improvements that
included equal sized wheels, the cushiony
pneumatic tyre, a lower centre frame, brakes,
and the now familiar pedals/sprocket/chain
method of propulsion. Mass production,
imported parts and models designed just for
women, catapulted the bicycle into the public
arena. Sales boomed, prices dropped and, for
the next fifty years, the bicycle became a
transport of the masses, at least in the
somewhat more level and developed areas of
the country. Kiwis were not only ready to ride
– they were keen on it!
Bicycle clubs sprung up all over the country
with both men and women members, and
featured races and outings. There were many
cycling clubs in Thames during the late 1800s,
and races and rambles were popular for both
men and women. Opening day of the cycling
season was a major event for the town, as seen
in the 1898 photograph below, showing the
Royal Hotel on the corner of Williamson and
Owen Streets (centre) and Messenger’s Hill (left
rear horizon).
A MEANS OF LIBERATION
The bicycle provided the freedom to go where
and when you wanted – all under your own
steam. This meant independent travel on
an everyday level for both men and women
throughout NZ. Women were no longer
confined at home but could now easily visit
friends, shop or just take in the sights.
A woman seen on a bicycle, however, shocked
the sensibilities of what a respectable 19th
century Victorian woman should be. Demure,
controllable, respectable, and at home cooking
and caring for the children.
Thames had a bicycle club of both men and women, shown in this 1898 photo of the season’s
inaugural get-together for races and a group ride.
Easy does it!
Thames neophyte Elsie
leans on a strong shoulder for
her first go on a bike.
A hand coloured post card shows lady cyclists
from the Thames Bicycle Club enjoying the
view of the fishing rocks on the coastal road
north of Thames. The same photo was used in
this framed photo greeting card at left.
Independence
Opportu ity & Refor
i ycle
B
S
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COROMANDEL LIFE 2016 SUMMER/EASTER