The Evolution of Bicycles and Bicycle Mania

This chapter explores the historical journey of the bicycle, from Karl von Dreis's Lauf-Maschine in 1817 to the safety bicycle's introduction in 1885. It highlights the transformative 'bicycle mania' of the 1890s, which reshaped cultural perceptions of mobility, class, and gender. The discussion also connects the rise of bicycle advocacy to the burgeoning automobile culture and the Good Roads Movement, illustrating how early cycling efforts influenced modern transportation systems.