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

Celebrate female cycling athletes/trailblazers, gender equality and feminist history. 🚴 Spark biking joy!

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

REVIEWS and BLURBS

“An inspiring, informative look at how the bicycle became a vehicle for women's empowerment. The perfect motivational read-aloud to show children just how far we've come, and how far they can go!" - ELISA BOXER, Emmy-winning journalist and two-time Sydney Taylor Honor author

"A Bike Is Not Just a Bike is an absolute gem! Jeanneret has crafted something inspiring, powerful, and layered with heart, all while including thoughtfully curated fact boxes. Pereira does an amazing job of blending the present and the past, bringing depth to each spread. Each time I read it I discover something new." - JESSICA STREMER, award-winning author of Great Carrier Reef and Fire Escape

"Bicycles are so much more than playthings for young children – they are vehicles of empowerment. To paraphrase Susan B. Anthony, they are metal steeds of independence and freedom for all, but especially for women, as readers of NOT JUST A BIKE will discover. Beautifully inclusive illustrations depict girls and women using bikes, and the engaging lyrical text both entertains and educates. Back matter includes references and a page about Annie Londonderry that could spark further discussion in a classroom." - VIVIAN KIRKFIELD, educator, speaker, and author of PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World

"A bike means freedom. Freedom to go where you want. Freedom to explore. And freedom to be yourself. A bike never judges you. A Bike Is Not Just a Bike beautifully explores these themes that have been an important part of my relationship to my many bikes." - DR. VERONICA IVY, Two-Time Masters Track Cycling World Champion