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For today's book recommendation for Women's History Month, I'm suggesting two different books about Women and Bicycles.

One is a nonfiction book for YA readers, "Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way)" by Sue Macy (2017).

In a short snappy hundred pages, this book tells how access to bicycles, starting in the 1890's and continuing into the 20th century, changed the lives of women. Bicycles set women free to travel independently, go exploring, engage in exercise, more easily reach jobs and run errands, and embrace more practical and comfortable clothing. While written for a YA audience, it is an informative concise overview of the subject for readers of any age.

Link to "Wheels of Change":
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/205395/wheels-of-change-by-sue-macy/

Today's second book is "Bicycling for Ladies" by Maria Ward (1896).

This book was written at the height of the 1890's bicycling craze. The author was herself a woman cyclist. In this book, she endorses loose practical clothing, shorter skirts, breathable waists, and even knickerbockers. She encourages women to undertake their own bicycle maintenance, and explains the use of various tools. She encourages women to venture out and explore the world, extolling the sense of independence and confidence to be found in such adventures.

Link to free LibriVox audiobook:
https://librivox.org/bicycling-for-ladies-by-maria-e-ward/

Link to free public domain text at Project Gutenberg:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62227