How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle: Reflections of an Influential 19th Century Woman

A nineteenth century leader of the women's reform movement describes how, at thirty-three, she learned to ride a bicycle

Frances E. Willard (1839-1898) was widely known in the United States and abroad for her social reform efforts. Her causes included temperance, women's suffrage and education, eight hour workday, prison reform and public kindergarten. She served as president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union from 1879 until her death in 1898, building it into the largest women's organization of its time. She also founded the World WCTU, the first international organization of women. She was a popular and prolific writer, outstanding educator, astute politician and strong advocate for the emancipation of women.