The Power Of A Cyclist's Seat

Women enjoying cycling, circa 1900 – Photograph by Cycling History Blog

"[Bicycling] has done more to emancipate woman than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she takes her seat; and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood."

Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was a prominent 19th century American civil rights leader and women's rights activist during the emergence of a women's suffrage in the New World. Back in Susan's day the idea and sight of a woman peddling a single seater bicycle must have indeed been tremendously empowering, and a monumental statement for society. But today, when I read this lovely quote of her's, all I can think of is, 

       "... and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood. Until someone comes along in their bus, van, car, motorbike or bicycle and smacks that woman right off her seat into the unforgiving traffic snakes of most modern cities." FACT. 

I'm glad Susan B. Anthony, peace be upon her, is not around to see the realities of today's road etiquette. I should know, I've seen it many a times here in the relentless road rage of Bangkokian drivers. Especially with the pavement traffic that involves pedestrians walking amongst zooming motorcyclists and bike taxi's. I've been blessed with first hand experience of being driven into while walking down a street. Yes, he actually drove his wheel into the back of my legs as I was walking down the pavement. And the driver did seem stunned when I turned around with absolute astonishment on my face, articulating my distress through a stream of swear words. He flashed me a sheepish, almost scared look, and rode off with his taxi passenger staring back at me while zooming off into a crowded street of stalls and people. And as his passenger's face kept on getting smaller and smaller, winding through the hustle and bustle of the street stalls, I found my self laughing, secretly acknowledging that a part of me loves this madness. ᐂ