The first small-wheel bicycle manufactured in Austria – The bicycle provoked both moral indignation and ema...

The first small-wheeled bicycle produced in Austria was probably the model made by Johann Puch in Graz in 1890. Cycling was considered to be the epitome of freedom and speed, and it also became a symbol of the emancipation of women. Of course, there was no lack of moral indignation over women riding bicycles – the usual accusation was one of immorality. But the fashion industry also took note of the trend and designed clothes specially for the sport.