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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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Excluded:

  • Remove Date: 1900s close

Spalding Bicycle Pin

Unknown Bicycle Pin

Richmond Bicycle Pin

Columbia Bicycle Pin

Gendron Bicycle Pin

Pierce-Arrow bicycle, ca. 1900

Beeston-Humber Racing Bicycle, 1886

Bicycles and Carriage

Boys riding bicycles

Conservation of Energy with Bicycle Use Promotion

Man with Bicycle

Bicycle Handlebar Grip

Elihu Vedder with a bicycle

Stationary exercise bicycle with metal frame, seat, pedals, handlebar, and attached devices

Bicycle Ergometer, Skylab

Bicycle saddle used by Concor Racing

Smith Star bicycle, ca. 1884

Big Boda Load-Carrying Bicycle

Cycling Time Trial Helmet

Track Cycling World Champion Skinsuit

Identification Badge from UCI World Cup Classic

Earl Kiser’s Bicycle Racing Medal, 1897

Henry W. Higham’s Bicycle Racing Medal, 1883

10c Messenger on Bicycle Special Delivery single

Photograph of letter carrier delivering mail by bicycle

National Off-Road Bicycle Association license

Presorted Std (10c) Modern Bicycle single

The old, old story from The Wheel and cycling trade review.

Bicycling Schedule from the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games

Velocipede, ca 1869

Shire Velocipede, 1879

Velocipede, 1867

Velocipede Patent Model

Child's Velocipede, 1876

Brompton

Tricycle, ca. 1875


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