WACS on Wheels

Overview

During World War II, both the military and civilian world turned to alternative forms of transportation to conserve fuel and materials while still being quick and efficient in getting around. When women joined the ranks of the U.S. Army in 1942, they too were in need of such transportation. The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) bicycle was soon in development and became the first piece of equipment created specifically for women in the Army.

Request for Bicycle, Women's

The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps was created in May 1942. By December of that year, the Director of the WAAC made an official request to the Ordnance Corps for the development and standardization of a women's bicycle for the members of the Corps. It was also requested that the bicycle be included in the Table of Allowances for the WAAC—ten per Training Center Headquarters.

Characteristics Sheet

The bicycle developed by the Ordnance Corps included an open frame typical of women's bicycles and was also lighter than the men's bicycle.

Universal Military Bicycle

With efficiency in mind, the women's bicycle was designed to be interchangeable with standard military men's bicycles, with the exception of the frame, saddle and front sprocket. The Ordnance Department developed a "Universal Military Bicycle" during this time, of which the women's was part. The goal was to ensure that no matter the point of manufacture (Westfield Manufacturing and Huffman Manufacturing produced the bikes) the parts could be interchanged.

Bicycle Platoon

A "bicycle platoon" was included in the ceremonial parade at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, celebrating the second anniversary of the WAC. The caption of this 1945 photo reads:

"Eyes Right - One of the outstanding highlights of the ceremonial parade at First WAC Training Center, Fort Des Moines, IA, during the second anniversary celebration of the Women's Army Corps, Saturday, May 13 was the active participation of the WAC 'bicycle platoon.' Equilibrium was maintained by all participants, even during the time they passed in review and the command, 'eyes right' was given."

Post-War Use

Following World War II, the bicycles were used for recreational purposes on military installations. A network of enthusiastic bike collectors have acquired many, including the one on display at the U.S. Army Women's Museum today, which was donated by collector Philip Eckman in 2014.

To date, equipment developed specifically for women in the Army is limited, with the bicycle standing as a rare example. Female specific flak vests and the female urinary diversion device (FUDD) developed in the 2010s were part of the Army's modern efforts to address the unique health and equipment needs of female soldiers. Read more about that initiative here.