Turn of the 19th Century Bicycling

Bicycle Parade from Golden Gate Park to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition on the north shore of the city, 1915.

More than 5,000 cyclists (known then as "scorchers" for the amazing speeds they achieved!) blazed a trail about five miles long in a spectacular "Good Roads Rally." Over 100,000 lined the streets on Saturday night, July 25th, 1896, as cyclists demanded asphalt and improved roads in San Francisco. Many riders preferred local Velodromes during this era.

CYCLERS RIDE IN GAY ATTIRE A Big Night Parade in Favor of Good Pavements Gayly Decorated Floats, Some of Which Bore Suggestive Mottoes October 1896 Parade

Early San Francisco bicyclists

Albert Toff cartoon of a bicyclist with an umbrella.

Contributors to this page include:

Prelinger Archive,New York,NY - Publisher or Photographer

Tolf,Albert - Photographer-Artist

Tolf,Albert - Artist

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