Liberation on Two Wheels? A History of Women and Cycling

Schedule

Tue Oct 20 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:30 pm

UTC-04:00
Location

Beyond the Pale Byward Taproom | Ottawa, ON

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About this Event

📚Lecture: "Liberation on Two Wheels? A History of Women and Cycling"
⏱️Time: Doors: 6pm Lecture: 7pm
🎤Speaker: Holly Benison (Public Historian & Museum Professional with MA in Public History from Carleton University)

Trends come and go, but the bicycle is forever or at least that's what late Victorian Canada would have you believe. Join Public Historian Holly Benison for an exploration of women and bicycle riding in 1890s Canada, a decade of rapid industrialization, "The New Woman," and changing ideas around sport and the liberation of women's bodies.
This lecture will look at the social history of cycling through technology, fashion, societal beliefs while debunking some of the myths and facts surronding women's rise in the sport. It will also end with Benison's 2021 research into competitive women cyclists in modern Canada.

Holly Benison is a public historian and museum professional currently working as a programs coordinator at one of Ottawa's community museums. She has 10 years of experience in museums, primarily as a living history interpreter and researcher. She has a honours BA in History from Bishop's University, a certificate in Museum Management and Curatorship from Fleming College, and an MA in Public History from Carleton University. Outside of her professional work, she continues publishing history videos on her YouTube channel exploring topics like food history and textiles.

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Agenda
6:00pm - Doors open: Grab a seat, order drinks and food and settle in.

6:55pm - Host Introduction

7:00pm - Lecture starts

7:45pm - Q&A with Audience

8:00pm - Socialize and make friends, grab drinks

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Where is it happening?

Beyond the Pale Byward Taproom, 21 George Street, Ottawa, Canada

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

CAD 17.74 to CAD 31.59

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