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Bicycles: Icons of Innovation and Mobility

From the 1880s to the 1910s, Americans took to the wheel, sparking a nationwide bicycle craze. In the era before automobiles, bicycles were a means of affordable personal mobility. This nationwide cycling craze allowed Americans to explore new places and experience newfound independence. Learn more about bicycles and their impact on American culture at the National Museum of American History.


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Ride On!

Post Office Department bicycle

Bicycle Shop Sign

Bicycledelic on the Ellipse Day

Bearings, the Cycling Magazine

Environmental Button

La Virée Superbe, Peugeot (The Superb Trip)

Batman No. 29

Audrey Hepburn

Ecology Krater II (Out Biking with Aunt Samantha)

STRiDA Bike User Review

Velocipede used by Buster Keaton in the film Our Hospitality

Toy Bicycle Rider

Stamp illustrated with person riding a bike with panniers attached, “USA” behind them.

Forever Bicycling: Commuter on Bicycle with Panniers single

Boy with Bicycle

Crescent Bicycles Pin

Public

Design With Africa: Bicycle Modules

Ordinary Racing Bicycle, 1887

National Cycle Bicycle Pin

Push toy bicycle

Fenton Bicycle Pin

Match Case with Bicycle Image

Woman on Bicycle

Columbia Tandem Bicycle, 1896

Rex Bicycle, 1898

5.9c Bicycle coil single

Columbia Bicycle, 1888

Bicycle Pump

Cycling Shoes

3 boys on bicycles

Group Bicycle Trip, circa 1905

Kitchen Towel, Wednesday, Super Market

Stamp illustrated with a child riding a bike left to right, “USA” behind them against a yellow sky.

Forever Bicycling: Child on Bicycle with Training Wheels single

Bicycle-shaped Candy Mold


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