Question

Ellen B. Parkhurst, wife of another New York minister, celebrated the advantages of bicycle riding in Washington's Evening Times. "Of course I do not believe that bicycling is immoral," she said. "A girl who rides a wheel is lifted out of herself and her surroundings. She is made to breathe purer air, see fresher and more beautiful scenes, and get an amount of exercise she would not otherwise get. All this is highly beneficial."

—Wheels of Change,
Sue Macy

In this passage, Sue Macy quotes Ellen B. Parkhurst. What is Parkhurst’s viewpoint on the topic?

Biking is a social activity for girls.
Biking is a healthy activity for girls.
Biking is an immoral activity for girls.
Biking is a dangerous activity for girls.

Answer 1

Biking is a healthy activity for girls.

She emphasizes physical and mental benefits—fresh air, exercise, and seeing more beautiful scenes—and explicitly rejects the idea that bicycling is immoral.