It was time I spoke out on women & cycling

Documentary maker Jo Reid tells Anna Burnside about the pioneers who took up the bike and gave ladies their freedom

- Anna Burnside

WEARING comfy leggings, jumping on a lightweight bike and taking off ... cyclist and film curator Jo Reid used to take this very normal 21st-century activity for granted.

Then Glasgow Film Festival asked her to put together a documentary using archive footage to tell the story of women's cycling. And her eyes were opened.

The 26-year-old said: "The history is tied in with fashion-cycling triggered so many changes in women's clothing.

"Of course you can't cycle in big massive dresses. This led to the invention of bloomers, which led to making clothing for women that was more practical and more active.

"That was tied into being able to exist in public space - alternatives that would allow women to get out and see the world.

"A lot of women were very aware of the political potential of the bicycle.

With two wheels of their own, women could finally go out without a chaperone.

Jo said: "There was a lot of kick back for women riding the bicycle, there was pushback in the press and also men yelling at women as they were cycling by.