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The Golden Age of Cycling: A Revolution on Two Wheels

The late 19th century witnessed a remarkable phenomenon that swept across the globe, captivating the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. This cultural and technological revolution was none other than the bicycle craze, a golden age of cycling that transformed the way people lived, worked, and played. In this article, we will embark on a fascinating journey through the history of the bicycle craze, exploring its origins, impact, and enduring legacy on the world of cycling and beyond.


The Birth of the Bicycle: From Draisine to Velocipede

To understand the bicycle craze of the late 19th century, we must first delve into the early history of the bicycle itself. The origins of the bicycle can be traced back to 1817, when German inventor Karl von Drais introduced the "draisine," a two-wheeled, human-powered vehicle that was propelled by pushing off the ground with one's feet. While the draisine enjoyed brief popularity, it was not until the 1860s that the bicycle as we know it today began to take shape.

In 1863, French inventor Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest attached pedals to the front wheel of a draisine, creating the first pedal-driven bicycle, known as the "velocipede." This breakthrough innovation marked the birth of the modern bicycle and paved the way for the rapid development of cycling technology in the decades to come.

The Penny-Farthing Era: High Wheels and High Spirits

The 1870s and 1880s saw the rise of the "penny-farthing" or "high wheeler" bicycle, characterized by its large front wheel and much smaller rear wheel. The penny-farthing's unique design allowed for greater speed and efficiency than its predecessors, as the large front wheel enabled riders to cover more ground with each pedal stroke. However, the high center of gravity and precarious riding position also made the penny-farthing notoriously difficult to mount and dismount, leading to frequent accidents and earning it the nickname "the boneshaker."

Despite the challenges and risks associated with riding penny-farthings, the allure of speed and adventure proved irresistible to the daring cyclists of the era. The penny-farthing became a symbol of courage, skill, and masculinity, with riders often engaged in thrilling races and daring feats of acrobatics. The penny-farthing era also saw the emergence of the first cycling clubs and organizations, as enthusiasts came together to share their passion for the sport and push the boundaries of what was possible on two wheels.

The Safety Bicycle Revolution: Democratizing the Joy of Cycling

While the penny-farthing captured the imaginations of adventurous riders, it remained largely inaccessible to the wider public due to its high cost and demanding riding style. It wasn't until the invention of the "safety bicycle" in the late 1880s that cycling truly began to democratize and reach the masses.

The safety bicycle, as its name suggests, addressed many of the shortcomings of the penny-farthing by introducing a lower, more stable frame, equal-sized wheels, and a chain-driven rear wheel. These innovations made the bicycle easier to ride, more comfortable, and more affordable, opening up the joys of cycling to people of all ages, genders, and social classes.

The impact of the safety bicycle on society cannot be overstated. It provided a new level of freedom and mobility, particularly for women, who had previously been restricted by social norms and impractical clothing. The bicycle became a symbol of emancipation and independence, allowing women to travel unchaperoned, explore the world beyond their homes, and challenge traditional gender roles.

The safety bicycle also had far-reaching effects on the economy, spurring the growth of a thriving bicycle industry and creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Bicycle manufacturers, dealers, and repair shops sprang up in cities and towns across the globe, while the demand for cycling accessories, clothing, and literature fueled the growth of ancillary industries.

The Bicycle Boom: A Global Phenomenon

As the safety bicycle gained popularity, the world witnessed an unprecedented surge in cycling enthusiasm, with the 1890s marking the peak of the bicycle craze. Bicycles became a ubiquitous sight on the streets of cities and towns, as people of all backgrounds embraced the freedom and joy of cycling.

Cycling clubs and organizations flourished, with members participating in group rides, races, and social events. Bicycle touring also gained popularity, with adventurous cyclists embarking on long-distance journeys to explore new regions and experience the beauty of the natural world.

The bicycle craze had a profound impact on popular culture, influencing fashion, art, music, and literature. Cycling-inspired clothing, such as bloomers and knickerbockers, became fashionable among women, while men adopted more casual and practical attire. Artists and illustrators depicted cyclists in their works, capturing the spirit of adventure and modernity associated with the bicycle. Musicians composed songs and marches celebrating the joys of cycling, while writers and poets waxed lyrical about the bicycle's transformative power.

The Legacy of the Golden Age: Shaping the Future of Cycling

While the bicycle craze of the late 19th century eventually subsided, its impact on the world of cycling and beyond endures to this day. The innovations and advancements of the golden age laid the foundation for the modern bicycle industry, paving the way for the development of new materials, technologies, and designs that continue to shape the way we ride.

The bicycle craze also had a lasting impact on urban planning and transportation, with the development of dedicated cycling infrastructure and the integration of bicycles into public transportation systems. Today, as cities around the world grapple with the challenges of traffic congestion, air pollution, and climate change, the bicycle is once again being recognized as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation.

Perhaps most importantly, the golden age of cycling left a legacy of joy, freedom, and adventure that continues to inspire generations of riders. The spirit of exploration, camaraderie, and personal challenge that defined the bicycle craze lives on in the vibrant and diverse cycling communities of today, from casual weekend riders to competitive athletes to long-distance touring enthusiasts.


The golden age of cycling was a remarkable period in history that transformed not only the world of transportation but also society, culture, and the human spirit. From the early draisines to the penny-farthings to the safety bicycles that democratized the joy of cycling, the bicycle craze of the late 19th century left an indelible mark on the world, shaping the way we live, work, and play.