By the 1890s, the bicycle was creating a social revolution in the United States. Nearly two million bicycles were being manufactured each year and were being sold throughout the country. People who previously had to walk now had a new means of transportation and this meant that millions of people were being given a new means of mobility.
The history of the nineteenth century bicycle begins with the invention of a walking machine in 1817. Baron von Drais invented a machine that would help him get around the royal gardens faster. The new machine had two same-size wheels placed in-line with the front wheel being steerable. The rider simply straddled the frame and then pushed the machine forward with the feet. The machine, made of wood, enjoyed some short-lived popularity but it was not really a practical form of transportation. The machine was commonly known as the Draisienne or hobby horse.
The Velocipede, commonly called the Boneshaker, appeared in 1865. Instead of pushing against the ground, the rider pedaled the machine. The pedals were applied to the front wheel. Like the Draisienne, it was made out of wood. Cobblestone roads made for a rather uncomfortable ride, hence the nickname Boneshaker. The name Velocipede, by the way, means “fast foot.”
The first all metal bicycle was developed in 1870. Like the Velocipede, pedals were attached to the front wheel. But unlike the early machines, the front wheel was significantly larger than the rear wheel. While the high front wheel meant that riders could go faster—the larger the wheel the farther it would travel with a single rotation—it also meant that riders were higher off the ground. Riders would purchase a machine with a wheel as large as the length of their legs would allow.
The basic shape and configuration of the modern bicycle emerged about 1885 with the Rover which was manufactured in England by John Kemp Starley. The bicycle configuration returned to the original configuration of two same-size wheels. Power was not applied directly to the wheel, but with a chain and sprocket which allowed the same speed as the high wheel bicycle.
Hard rubber tires meant that the ride was still a bit rough. In 1888 pneumatic tires were introduced by John Dunlop which made for much smoother riding on paved streets. In the 1890s the rear freewheel was developed which allowed the rider to coast. The bicycle of the 1890s had two wheels of the same size, pneumatic tires, and an affordable price. Known as safety bicycles, they attracted both men and women and were considered a liberating device for women. It is reported that feminist Susan B. Anthony called the bicycle a “freedom machine.” Anthony wrote:
"Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."
With regard to military use of the bicycle, Italy had started testing bicycles as early as 1877 and by the 1890s many European countries (Italy, Belgium, France, Austria, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Russia, and the United Kingdom) had incorporated the use of bicycles into their armies. Bicycles were seen as being less expensive and less time-consuming to maintain than horses. They were used for reconnaissance and message relays. It was also felt that bicycles could move troops faster than marching.
Shown below are some museum bicycle displays.
Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Chehalis, Washington
The George N. Pierce Company began producing bicycles in 1896. George Pierce sold all of his rights to the company in 1907 and organized the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company.
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Missoula, Montana
In 1892, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Major General Nelson A. Miles, recommended that a full regiment be equipped with bicycles. The first bicycle corps was organized in 1892 when 2nd Lieutenant James A. Moss received permission to organize the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps at Fort Missoula.
The new Bicycle Corps consisted of Lt. Moss and eight black enlisted men. The men were able to ride in formation, drill, scale fences up to nine feet high, ford streams, and pedal 40 miles a day. Each bicycle carried a knapsack, blanket roll, and a shelter half strapped to the handlebar. A hard leather frame case fit into the diamond of each bicycle. A drinking cup was kept in a cloth sack under the seat. Each rider carried a rifle and 50 rounds of ammunition. Initially, the riders carried the rifles slung over the back and later the rifles were strapped to the horizontal bar on the bicycle. Each soldier carried about 76 pounds of gear.
Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM), Hood River, Oregon
Miracle of America Museum, Polson, Montana
Fort Steele Heritage Village, British Columbia
Museums 201
This series presents similar exhibits from several museums. More from this series:
Museums 201: Pianos and organs (photo diary)
Museums 201: Jails and prisons (photo diary)
Museums 201: Shoes (photo diary)
Museums 201: Carriages and Wagons (photo diary)
Museums 201: Sewing machines (photo diary)
Museums 201: The timber industry (photo diary)
Museums 201: Wood-fired heating stoves (photo diary)
Museums 201: Model railroad dioramas (photo diary)