A feminist bicycle history

Women on Wheels

The Scandalous Untold Histories of Women in Bicycling

by April Streeter (Author)

"This dive into the hidden history of women’s cycling is at times as thrilling as it is heartbreaking. The struggles and triumphs of these two-wheeled trailblazers are eerily similar to what women today still experience, yet we learn how much was sacrificed for us..." –Tori Bortman, author

"As Streeter shows with captivating profiles, every chapter in bicycle history has its heroines. This is an entertaining, enlightening and long overdue contribution to cycling lore." –David V, Herlihy, author

"Ever since bicycles were invented, women have been riding them...April Streeter's careful research and spirited writing captures the wild, weird, wonderful, and serious story of bicycling through the perspective of these highly skilled riders whose stories have been all but lost to history—until now." –Elly Blue, author

A feminist history of bicycling for sport and adventure spans a century of women who changed the world from two wheels. This vivacious tale, peppered with fascinating details from primary sources, shows how women were sometimes the stars of bicycle races and exhibitions, and other times had to overcome sexism, exclusion, and economic inequalities in order to ride. From the almost burlesque show races and creative performances of the 19th century to the evolution of cycling as a modern sport and form of transportation, April Streeter conveys the evolving emotional resonance of bicycling for women and their communities.

SUBJECT: History / Transportation / Feminism / Sports / Bikes / Microcosm Published

PUBLICATION: May 11, 2021

PRICE: $16.95

ISBN: 9781621062073

FORMAT: 198 pages, 4.5x6", paperback

WHOLESALE: $10.17

CARTON QTY: 48

ART: b&w illustrations throughout

Marketing Notes

Joins the groundswell of books in recent years that acknowledge and celebrate women and their achievements
The history of bicycling is intertwined with the history of women’s liberation, self-reliance, and mobility, and this book showcases this needs-to-be-told history
Appeals to young women, feminists, and those who are fascinated by bicycling history or history in general

April Streeter writes and bikes from Portland, Oregon. Her career has included five years as correspondent for Sweden, Norway, and the Baltic nations for Windpower Monthly magazine, two years as managing editor for Sustainable Industries magazine, and many years as correspondent of Tomorrow magazine. She's also on twitter at https://twitter.com/womenonwheels.

A small, innovative publishing house, Microcosm Publishing specializes in work designed to make the reader feel good about being alive, take an active role in bettering their life, and impact the world around them. Microcosm has developed a reputation for teaching self-empowerment, showing hidden histories, and fostering creativity through challenging conventional publishing wisdom with books and zines about DIY skills, food, politics, and art. Our books are printed in the USA.