But the bicycle craze had a more lasting impact on women’s clothing than just the use of bloomers. Thanks in large part to cyc
ling, the innovation of rational dress reformers were starting to take effect by the end of the 1890s. Corsets were on their way out, dresses were getting shorter, and women no longer wore the heavy, bulky undergarments that gave them round, unnatural shapes. These changes went a long way toward unburdening women and setting the stage for them to be healthier and more active in the coming century.Based on the excerpt, women in the 1890s became more independent and their lives improved as a result of1. a rise in the popularity of bicycles.2. a rise in the popularity of corsets.3. cycling becoming less socially acceptable.4. clothing becoming more restrictive.
According to the excerpt, the rise in the popularity of bicycles helped freeing women from heavy clothes and undergarments. Since they would hinder women who wished to ride bicycles, corsets, long dresses, and bulky undergarments were quickly substituted by healthier, lighter pieces of clothing that allowed women to ride bicycles easily.
