French women cycle racers evidently earned more money than male cycle racers in the late nineteenth century, according to an 1896 journal called The Hub.
We learn about this in one of the three readings that will be discussed at the next session of the Long Beach Cyclists Reading Group. You are welcome to join us in a lively discussion. We meet at Portfolio Coffeehouse (Fourth Street at Junipero) on Sunday, March 21st, 6:00-7:00 pm.
One of the three readings to be discussed this month is a study about cycling popularity as impacted by perceived safety, as well as topography and attractiveness and comfort—Barriers to Cycling.
Another reading looks at anxieties felt by people who are “automobilised.” Some people who are not happy that their car-centric way of life is threatened in turn may claim that cycling in urban areas is too dangerous. The author wonders if separate lanes marginalize cyclists. How might we as a society help more people overcome the emotional barrier that is ‘fear of cycling’?
And of course we will discuss women’s professional cycling in the late 1800s, perhaps contrasting that with our sense of women cyclists today.
By the way, just as there was a journal for cyclists in the late 1800s called The Hub, the Long Beach Cyclists newsletter is ALSO called The Hub. Folks in the 1890s beat us with a great name for a cyclists’ newsletter. (Who knew?!!! Perhaps both of us were first.)  What’s more, the fantastic Long Beach bike-repair cooperative that will hold its grand opening April 3rd, (run by Pedal Movement and friends, Long Beach Blvd. just south of PCH), is called… The H.U.B.  With periods. Graham, correctly, really IS first.
For Reading Group contact information and to see a map, click EVENTS at the top of the longbeachcyclists.com web page, then scroll to the LBC Reading Group entry.
I can’t come this time — it’s the LA Marathon AND Lana’s Birthday — and will miss the lively discussion!
Fear of Cycling is something I am encountering a lot of — from dedicated cycling advocates! I hope we can read and discuss this issue more in coming meetings, as it seems to be at the core of a LOT of the disputes in the cycling movement.
And I recently read a great book, _The Lost Art of Walking: The History, Science, and Literature of Pedestrianism, by Geoff Nicholson. He has a section where he talks about what we’d call today women’s competitive racewalking, which was a craze in the 1800s, and which featured a lot of the same women who went on to become the first competitive bicyclists!
Anyway.