Women and the bicycle: a milestone on the road to equality
Historically speaking, the bicycle has also contributed to women's equality and greater inclusion in society. Registration fee for female cyclists is only EUR 79.99
The development of the bicycle at the end of the 19th century also brought a wave of new mobility. When the tall unicycle, which was considered an extreme sport for men, became a bicycle on two wheels, with a handlebar and a seat, women also got on it. The bicycle has become safer and more accessible, and thus the dominant means of mobility for everyday use. Also for women.
Freedom of movement
If in the Victorian era the cultural code dictated that women should stay at home and reduced their role to domesticity and motherhood and excluded them from public life, but the bicycle made change possible.
Freedom of movement - without the necessary partner, expanding the field of women's rights. Many suffragettes started cycling, with free (independent) movement and entry into public life, it was easier for them to meet, socialize and organize.
The bicycle also influenced women's fashion, as wide Victorian layered dresses were not practical, corsets were too tight, and soon a fashion reform was needed. At the same time, debates also developed as to whether cycling was healthy for women, and the prevailing opinion was that it improves health and well-being. From recreation to fashion, the bicycle has inspired generations of women on the path to equality and widened the field of freedom.
Modern women's professional and recreational road cycling is evolving and still chasing the tail of the men's cycling caravan. While the Tour de France has been running since 1903, female cyclists got their edition as late as in 2022 – the Tour de France Femmes. This year, it will take place from 23rd to 30th July 2023 and feature 8 stages. Before that, in the period 1984-2009, variously named cycling events were held in France, in the period 2014-2021, these were one- to two-day events named La Course by Le Tour de France.
At last year's L'Etape Slovenia by Tour de France event, 10% of the cyclists were women. The share reflects the state of women's participation in such recreational events, which ranges from 10 to 20%.
We believe that there are more of you who love cycling and like to socialize. That is why we have frozen the price of the registration fee for you: EUR 79.99 and is valid until the closing of applications, August 20th, 2023. The price is the same for the longer (138 km) and shorter (70 km) routes. Along with the registration fee, you can also order the L'Etape Slovenia cycling jersey, manufactured by Ale, for only EUR 10.00 extra.
Take courage, come join the cycling adventure. We promise you an unforgettable experience. But don't hesitate to register – as this is an incentive and a reason to choose your time more often and feel the freedom of movement.
