Timeline of the Bicycle and its Historical Impact

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail offers abundant opportunities for biking across its braided network. From the seat of a bike, cyclists pass by several natural and historic landscapes, benefitting from the views and learning the stories. The trail is home to a rich history, but so is the bike itself. Since the bicycle came to America in the late 19th century, people have explored and adventured into different parts of the American landscape they never could before. With the bicycle came a newfound freedom.

 

Three Penny Farthings and one Safety Bicycle riding over Evitts Creek Aqueduct on the C&O Canal towpath.

NPS Digital Collections

1870s

One of the first bike models in America was a high-wheel bicycle known as the Penny Farthing. Its lightweight metal frame and rubber tires made it fast and smooth. The Penny Farthing played a significant role in leisure culture of the late 19^th century, with clubs, races, and tours becoming common activities for enthusiasts. After the technological advances of the Industrial Revolution, radial spokes, ball bearings, and updated breaks were added throughout the 1870s. This era saw the introduction of gear switching, allowing people to navigate different terrains better. This greatly changed how people could experience recreational cycling, being able to explore the outdoors even further.

1880s

The popularity of the Penny Farthing declined about as fast and it emerged, replaced in the 1880s with the Safety Bicycle. This was a sharp contrast to the original model with its lower seat, lower wheels, and increased stability and maneuverability. The safer design allowed for women to take up cycling, traveling on their own to work, social gatherings, or simply for their own enjoyment. Traveling independently presented an opportunity to develop a new set of skills traditionally only available to men, such as mechanics, physiology, and geography. Also, during this time, the League of American Wheelmen was founded, which advocated for cyclists’ rights.

 

1890s

Up until the 1890s, bikes typically had a front-wheel pedal drive system, where the cranks and pedals connected directly to the front wheel. Riders would either use handbrakes or simply resist pedaling. Then, coaster brakes came into the picture, where a spoon-like mechanism would rub on the rear wheel to create friction and stop the bicycle. Soon after, the friction brake was replaced with internal rear hub brakes, allowing the rider to stop the bicycle by pedaling backwards. This type of brake is still seen in many modern bikes today.

 

Two women riding coaster bicycles through Washington, DC in 1942.

Library of Congress Photo, Prints, Drawings

1890s-1960s

The mass popularity of the coaster bicycle persisted for over a century after its introduction, serving as a cost-effective and relaxing form of recreation for both adults and children. The easy-to-learn brake system made the coaster bike a great model for children to learn how to ride on, and the streamlined look free of bulky cables made it popular for casual riders. The use would surge again during World War II, with the bicycle serving as an alternative form of transportation during a gasoline scarcity.

Groups that lobbied for cyclists’ rights also emerged during this time. The League of American Wheelmen began lobbying for federal funding and legislation that would protect the interests of cyclists and improve public roads. These efforts led to the formation of the Office of the Road Inquiry in 1893, later the Federal Highway Administration, which was tasked with overseeing construction and maintenance of the nation's highways, bridges, and tunnels. This advocacy for paved roads was one of the factors leading to the formation of the Interstate Highway System in 1956.

Modern Bikes

Improvements in technology have greatly advanced the modern bicycle, with trail bikes today having complex suspension systems, reinforced cushioning to reduce shock, and the ability to adapt to ascending and descending terrain. Another modern invention is the e-bike, or electronic bike, which eases rider’s efforts by offering pedaling assistance. This has contributed to health and environmentally conscious movements, with bikes offering an alternative form of transportation and a form of exercise that is widely available.

 

A Reflection of History

Whether it be the growth in leisure culture, the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution, or the modern environmental movement, the bicycle has reflected what is happening in American history. It has shaped the American landscape and forever changed how people can experience it. The bicycle has and will continue to serve as a form of freedom, allowing people the opportunity to venture into the outdoors and hit the open road. Experience this freedom for yourself by venturing onto one of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail bike paths.