Recycling Sheppard’s efforts
A sea of Kate Sheppard lookalikes will pedal around the capital on Saturday, marking the 125th anniversary of women winning the right to vote.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Wellington organisation Frocks On Bikes are behind the ride, which will involve authentic costumes – a clear nod to the suffrage movement.
Organiser Kath Haines said they were interested in celebrating the role of the bicycle in women’s liberation.
Bicycles gave women a taste of freedom and helped spur a growing movement of women who wanted to wear pants.
‘‘With bicycles came the rational dress movement, because there was the need for more practical clothing, so the bicycle is kind of tied in with the history of feminism and the suffrage movement.’’
Bicycles were also used to help collect signatures for the country’s 1893 petition, seeking votes for women.
Saturday’s ride will start outside Old St Paul’s on Mulgrave St, then pass Wellington Museum, the National Library, Thistle Inn and Premier House before concluding on the grounds of the Old Government Buildings.
Frocks On Bikes was founded 10 years ago to promote women cycling and Haines said there had been a significant rise in the numbers of female cyclists over that decade. ‘‘There are a lot more women on bikes and a lot more people cycling every day.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga spokeswoman Paulette Wallace said the event was an opportunity to ‘‘do something fun’’ while also recognising the struggle women faced in getting the right to vote.