Original Bicycle Boom - 1890s

[hoopdriver]

I thought I'd share a piece I wrote for National Geographic about the original bicycle craze in the 1890s and how it helped shape our world. It was published this week. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/2020/06/how-bicycles-transformed-world/

 

[EltonFrog]

Thanks for the link, I enjoyed that.

 

[Spiderweb]

Thank you @hoopdriver that was well written and an excellent read.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Well composed and fascinating article. The subject matter could form the basis of an interesting TV documentary if done the right way.

 

[hoopdriver]

Thank you. It surely could. I'd love to get Nat Geo to do it too... Might try...

 

[Drago]

No need to share it. @Dave7 was there, a young man in his 30's, and always prattles on about it. He still gets angry when he sees a woman not riding side saddle.

 

[Dave7]

No need to share it. @Dave7 was there, a young man in his 30's, and always prattles on about it. He still gets angry when he sees a woman not riding side saddle.

And no bloomers!!!! Dont forget the bloomers.

 

[kynikos]

Thanks - Sunday morning, coffee and a great read!

 

[Ian H]

From an 1897 cyclists' handbook.

 

[EltonFrog]

I’m just back from a trip to Australia, saw a lot of bicyclists there, and was for some reason reminded of this article in National Geographic by @hoopdriver ex of this parish. It’s worth a re-read. You may have to submit an email address to access it.

 

[Juliansou]

Nice read - thanks, I enjoyed that.

 

[Jotheboat]

Yes, I enjoyed it too.
It's 3 years ago and the current boom may have sprung a leak, but very interesting.
A dedicated cycle path in Brooklyn in 1895 which 10,000 used on the first day.

And..... In September 1894, 24-year-old Annie Londonderry set out from Chicago with a change of clothes and a pearl-handled revolver to become the first woman to cycle around the world. Just under a year later she arrived back in Chicago and collected a $10,000 prize.
(Approx. $350,000 + in today's money!)

 

[BrumJim]

Was due to collect a few cycling medals from my Aunt (actually 3rd cousin once removed, but who's counting?) yesterday, but due to illness (mine), I failed.

These were from that era - 1896 ish, and included one for riding London to Brighton. When I finally get my hands on them I will share them with you here.

In the meantime, will send the link to the article to her.

 

[BrumJim]

I’m just back from a trip to Australia, saw a lot of bicyclists there, and was for some reason reminded of this article in National Geographic by @hoopdriver ex of this parish. It’s worth a re-read. You may have to submit an email address to access it.

The e-mail address may or may not need to be a valid one....

 

[EltonFrog]

The e-mail address may or may not need to be a valid one....

Indeed.