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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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Young boy bicycling

Smith tricycle, ca. 1880

Aero bike designed by John Vassos

Tricycle Boys Hangout II

Bicyclist

Wheeling on Riverside Drive

Western Union Messenger (Norfolk, Virginia), from the project The Negro in Virginia

Steam Tricycle in Front of North Entrance to SIB

Visitors to the Transportation Hall, A&I

Butler, Cyclist

George C. Maynard Outside USNM

Untitled, from the project The Most Crowded Block

Photographing Our Country Cousins

Bicyclists

Spalding Bicycle Pin

Laubach Velocipede, 1869

United States Wheel Bicycle Pin

Going South

Aramis: 10-Speed Man

Cyclist’s Cup

Samuel Murray and Benjamin Eakins on Bicycles

American wheels from The bicycling world.

Mesinger Saddles Bicycle Pin

Crank Hanger Bicycle Pin

Bike Girl

Bike Powered Generator featuring Mr. Harrison

Reinhardt Bicycle, 1935

Starley Bicycle, ca. 1887

Raleigh Bicycle, ca 1949

Smith Pony Star bicycle

Gendron Bicycle Pin

Schwinn Varsity Tourist Bicycle, 1965

Spalding Bicycle Pin

Unknown Bicycle Pin

Richmond Bicycle Pin


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