The following passage is adapted from an essay about the social history of the late nineteenth century.
[Paragraph 1]
In the late nineteenth century, the bicycle transitioned from a novel sporting toy for wealthy men into a mass-produced machine that transformed daily life. As prices fell and safety features improved, millions of ordinary citizens took to the roads, experiencing a newfound freedom of movement.
[Paragraph 2] (Lines 10–22)
For women in particular, the bicycle was a catalyst for social change, prompting a dramatic shift in fashion. The restrictive Victorian clothing of the era—heavy petticoats, corsets, and long skirts—was entirely impractical for riding. In response, women adopted "rational dress," which featured bloomers, shorter skirts, and split skirts. Although these garments initially provoked public outrage and ridicule, the practical demands of cycling ultimately triumphed over traditional dress codes. Consequently, the bicycle helped dismantle rigid sartorial standards, symbolizing a broader move toward female independence and physical autonomy.
[Paragraph 3]
Beyond fashion, the bicycle altered the geographic boundaries of women’s lives. Previously confined to their immediate neighborhoods due to limited transportation options, female riders could now travel miles independently. This mobility fostered a sense of self-reliance that spilled over into the political sphere, fueling the growing movement for women's suffrage.
Based on the passage, which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of Paragraph 2 (lines 10–22)?
- AVictorian women wore heavy petticoats and corsets, which made riding a bicycle extremely difficult.
- The physical demands of cycling led women to adopt more practical clothing, challenging traditional Victorian dress codes.Answer
- CThe bicycle acted as a major tool for women's social and political liberation in the late nineteenth century.
- DRigid Victorian dress codes successfully prevented women from riding bicycles in public places.