Laura Brown celebrates history’s intrepid female cyclists

Laura Brown uncovers some of the most inspirational female cyclists throughout the decades.

THE bicycle craze of the 1890s brought with it fun and freedom. Despite warnings from doctors that bike-riding could result in a weary-looking face, appendicitis and loose morals, women grabbed the handlebars and pedalled full tilt towards liberation, finding new fashions and spreading the suffragette message with the wind in their wheels.

Meet some of the bold and brilliant cyclists who’ve blazed a trail since then.