Image

August 2023

On August 26th, Women’s Equality Day, we commemorated the establishment of the 19th amendment, (circa 1920) which granted American women with the constitutional right to vote. Believe it or not, various modes of transportation were key drivers in the women’s suffrage movement. Let’s take a deeper dive into the impacts of bicycles, trains, and automobiles.  

Bicycles: Bicycles became popular in the 1890s; and they were a game changer in transportation, particularly for women, because they offered an inexpensive mode of transportation that did not require a horse, buggy or a man. In 1895, suffrage leader, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, stated “The bicycle will inspire women with more courage, respect and self-reliance.” Susan B. Anthony, stated “Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel… the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.” 

Today bicycles still provide an inexpensive, safe, and efficient means of transportation, as well as a sense of freedom for women and others overcoming adversity, particularly in the developing world, where automobiles and public transportation are limited. 

Rail and Transit: The railroad was another key factor during the women’s suffrage movement because it helped spread information and encouraged support for the movement across the country. It also allowed people to organize groups to fight for women’s right to vote in various locations. 

Public transportation is still an important means for women to move from place to place. According to a survey from Gendered Innovations, women across all ethnicities make more trips on public transportation than men and their trips are more complex due to the need to stop for shopping, childcare, elder care, etc. Largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rail authorities have been rethinking their traditional schedules and safety approaches to accommodate these needs. 

Automobile: The automobile became widespread in the early 1900s, which was a pivotal time as women were working to obtain voting rights. Cars were used to not only move information and people more efficiently, but they also were used as “parade floats” to make those involved more visible. While the automobile did play a part in the suffrage movement, it also created an economic divide, as suffragettes that were unable to afford cars were not recognized to the extent of those with cars. 

While automobiles are important in our society, to this day, they are the sign of a wealth division as well as a significant contributor to air pollution. Many cities and communities are working to reduce our reliance on automobiles and to create safe and accessible transportation routes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation. 

WTS Philadelphia continues to advocate for safe, reliable, accessible, affordable and green transportation because it is just as important today as it was 100 years ago.