Pedal Power: How Cycling Empowers Women – Then and Now 🚴♀️💜
On March 8th, International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and independence of women worldwide. And what better way to highlight empowerment than through cycling? From the fight for women’s rights to the modern-day shift toward sustainable transport, bikes have played a key role in women's freedom, mobility, and independence.
🚴♀️ The Bicycle: A Symbol of Women’s Liberation
In the late 19th century, bicycles became a radical tool for change. At a time when women’s mobility was restricted, cycling provided newfound independence.
🔹 Suffragettes on Two Wheels – Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton saw bikes as a symbol of liberation. Anthony famously said, "The bicycle has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." 🚲✨
🔹 Challenging Gender Norms – Women defied restrictive clothing (hello, bloomers!) and social norms just to ride. The simple act of cycling was an assertion of freedom and equality.
By the early 1900s, more women were cycling, expanding their world beyond home life and breaking down societal barriers.
💪 Today: Cycling as Everyday Empowerment
Fast forward to today, and bikes—especially cargo bikes and e-bikes—continue to empower women in new ways:
🌿 Freedom from Car Dependency – More women are choosing e-bikes and cargo bikes over cars for school runs, commutes, and errands, reducing costs and environmental impact.
🛞 Juggling Work & Family with Ease – Cargo bikes help women carry kids, groceries, and gear without the hassle of parking or traffic.
🚲 Health & Well-being – Cycling is a great way to stay active, clear the mind, and fit movement into a busy lifestyle.
🌎 Leading the Way in Sustainability – Women are at the forefront of the shift to greener transport, choosing bikes for a healthier planet.
👩🔧 Finding the Perfect Bike with Dutch Cargo Bike – At Dutch Cargo Bike, we’re proud to have a female co-founder and an active team of women passionate about getting more women riding. We know that choosing a bike isn’t just about the technology—it’s about what works for your lifestyle and comfort.
That’s why we encourage women to come and test ride different models, ask all the practical questions and find the perfect setup. With plenty of step-through frames, well-designed saddles for all kinds of riders, and a supportive team, we make sure every woman feels comfortable and confident on two (or three!) wheels.
💜 Celebrate Women, Celebrate Cycling!
This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women who ride—past and present. Whether you’re riding for fun, family, fitness, or the future, every pedal stroke is a step toward empowerment.
