TRAVELING A-WHEEL has become so common among all classes and all grades of society that a chapter devoted to ETIQUETTE FOR CYCLERS will not be amiss in a work of this character. Indeed, in these days, no book on the art of behavior would be complete without such a chapter.
Half the world is now on wheels, while the other half is about equally divided between those who would like to cycle but have not the physical courage and those who consider a "bike" a pet device of his Satanic Majesty and are directly opposed to its use as a means of recreation or to serve the purpose of economy.
CONCERNING THE COSTUME of gentlemen, we shall have little to say, but are glad to be able to record that the determined effort which has been made on the part of many to make bloomers the most popular of cycling costumes for ladies has signally failed. Indeed, nothing so ugly or inartistic could long be popular. There are always some ladies who adopt everything novel whether from a desire to appear conspicuous or otherwise; but the woman who would appear graceful either a-wheel or a-foot will never appear in bloomers unless they be partially concealed by a short skirt. Women have for generations been so accustomed to skirts that it is impossible for then to acquire grace of motion without them.
Anyone moves much more gracefully when the motion of the upper part of the limbs is concealed; even men presenting a much more graceful appearance in skirted coats than in the sack or blouse which is adopted for business wear.
The hair should (if the cycler be an elderly lady ) be firmly coiled on the top of the head and thoroughly secured with hairpins or comb. If the rider is a young lady it may be worn in a loose braid.
Youth's Educator for Home and Society, 1896.
Great advice ;)