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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!

1896 Columbia Woman’s Bicycle Embellished by Tiffany

Draisine, ca. 1818

Post Office Department bicycle

Bicycle Shop Sign

Breezer 1 Mountain Bike

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

Roper Steam Velocipede, about 1869

Toy Bicycle Rider

Columbia High-Wheel Bicycle, 1886

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

Forever Bicycling: Commuter on Bicycle with Panniers single

Victory Bicycle

Boy with Bicycle

1889 Overman Bicycle

Crescent Bicycles Pin

Whalen and Janssen Laminated Wood-Frame Bicycle

Cleveland Model 69 Bicycle, 1899

Public

1927 Snyder Boy’s Bicycle

Design With Africa: Bicycle Modules

Schwinn Panther Bicycle, 1953

Trek 5500 bicycle used by Lance Armstrong in the 2000 Tour de France

1965 Super Deluxe Sting-Ray Schwinn Bicycle

Ordinary Racing Bicycle, 1887

1881 Columbia Bicycle

National Cycle Bicycle Pin

Push toy bicycle


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