A Bike Is Not Just a Bike An Ode to Girls Who Dare to Ride

By: Brenna Jeanneret

Published by Gloo Books, 2026-03-03

A Bike Is Not Just a Bike is the inspiring story of how the ordinary bike came to represent freedom for women and girls.

In the 1880s, a bike was just a bike--unless you were a girl. Then it was considered dangerous, unladylike, even scandalous. But some dared to ride anyway. Pedal by pedal, they defied expectations. Riding a bike became a revolutionary act offering independence, challenging fashion norms and moving women one step closer to the right to vote.

This lyrical celebration honors the fearless women who refused to stay in their lane and spotlights modern-day heroes like Ayesha McGowan and Dr. Lynnea C. Salvo. Complete with historical footnotes, A Bike Is Not Just A Bike celebrates girls riding everywhere and moves us all toward freedom, equity, and joy.