The truly ground-breaking change in women's athletics arrived in the form of the bicycle. Articles abounded on the unladylike-ness of this contraption, and warned women of serious health consequences to its use. However, such warnings were blithely ignored and by the mid 1890's, cycling became a true "craze" amongst Victorian women. But cycling didn't just represent a woman's ability to participate in something sporting or athletic. It provided a new range of inexpensive transportation: one no longer had to maintain a horse (and a groom) simply to travel distances that were too far to walk. Women's fashions also needed to adapt to the use of the cycle. This simple device that we take for granted today was, in fact, a vehicle of emancipation for the Victorian woman!

The Tricycle: A Means of Obtaining Health and Enjoyment (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1882)

Women on Wheels, by a Lady Cyclist (Girl's Own Paper, 1885)

"Four years ago a woman on wheels was a rare and conspicuous sight; but today there are few parts of the UK where a tricycling maid or matron excites any wonder..."

The Experiences of a Lady Cyclist, by C. Everett Green (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1895)

The Reign of the Bicycle (Century Magazine, 1895A)

Is it a passing whim, or here to stay? The author points out that in many small towns, it has become a necessity.

Advice to Girl-Cyclists, by Lillias Campbell Davidson (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

"She should not dress in a style to excite undue notice, or make her pastime unattractive in the eyes of outsiders... If... she looks loud, fast, and simply a fright, she is doing [the sport] infinite harm, and prejudicing all sensible people against it."

Athletics for Ladies, by B. Fletcher Robinson (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1896)

The Bicycle Outlook, by Isaac B. Potter (Century Magazine, 1896B)

A look at the evolution of cycling in the US and abroad, along with changes to roads, customs, culture, railroad regulations and more - all due to the bicycle!

Cycling: As a Pastime and for Health, by Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

The Cycling Craze, by A.T. Schofield, MD (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

"The tricycle is obviously a safe and useful machine for the exercise of ladies; but with regard to the bicycle, there are as many objections as spokes in its wheels."

The Dress for Bicycling, by Dora de Blaquière (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

How I Learned to Bicycle, by Constance Hastings (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

It's hard to imagine that, at one time, women were told that it was unsafe, unhealthy and unnatural to ride bikes. (Fortunately, they did not listen...)

Dangers and Benefits of the Bicycle, by A.L. Benedict, M.D. (Century Magazine, 1897B)

Our Girls A-Wheel, by N.G. Bacon (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

"We are filled with respect and wonder concerning the grand old pioneers, who so bravely fought the way towards cycledom."

Bicycling to Health and Fortune, by Lawrence Liston, MD (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

A Charity Gymkhana: How to Arrange and Manage It (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Forget horses; this is a gymkhana for bicycles!

How to Form a Girls' Cycling Club (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Decorated Bicycles, by Harold Shepstone (Windsor Magazine, 1899B)

A look at some amazing competitions for decorated bicycles in England and Europe.

Methods of Mounting for Girl Cyclists, by Mrs. Egbert Norton (Girl's Own Paper, 1899)

Our Mutual Friend the "Bike," by Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. (Girl's Own Paper, 1899)

Cycle Gymkhanas: How to Prepare and Practice for Them, by N.G. Bacon (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

Cycle Polo, by N.G. Bacon (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

Fancy Cycling, by Isabel Marks (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

"Trick-riding is a form of cycling which only requires to be known to be appreciated." Tricks include hands-free riding, double-riding, "skating," skipping through a hoop and more.

Free-Wheel Cycles, by N.G. Bacon (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

This appears to be the development of bicycles that are able to coast without one having to constantly propel the pedals.

Bicycle Worries and How to Cope with Them, by L. Lawrence Liston, MD (Girl's Own Paper, 1901)

Health, by Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. (Girl's Own Paper, 1901)

This article has an interesting section on the health aspects of cycling, along with questions about women as cyclists, emancipation, etc.

• See also Recreation: Cycling