Cycling City: Bicycles and Urban America in the 1890s

Cycling has experienced a renaissance in the US, with debates about the nature of bicycles and where they belong. The Cycling City by Evan Friss unearths the hidden history of the cycling city, demonstrating that diverse groups of cyclists managed to remap cities with new roads, paths, and laws, challenge social conventions, and dream up a new urban ideal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Cycling has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the United States, with cities across the country actively promoting bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation. This has sparked lively debates about the nature of bicycles, their appropriate usage, and how cities should accommodate them. However, it is important to note that these discussions have a long history, dating back more than a century.

The Cycling City delves into the fascinating history of bicycles during the late 19th century. In the 1890s, American cities boasted the highest number of cyclists, extensive cycling infrastructure, supportive legislation, and a vibrant cycling culture compared to any other part of the world. Evan Friss, in his book, uncovers the hidden story of the cycling city, revealing how diverse groups of cyclists successfully reshaped cities by creating new roads, paths, and laws. They challenged social conventions, envisioned a new urban ideal inspired by the bicycle, and aimed to create a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation system.

Bicycle advocates during this time dreamed of a utopian landscape where pollution was minimal, transportation was silent and swift, leisure spaces were democratic, and the boundaries between city and country were blurred. They saw bicycles as a means to improve the quality of life and create a more harmonious society. However, as the 20th century approached, the utopian vision of a cycling city began to fade. The decline of cycling infrastructure, the rise of car culture, and other factors contributed to the decline of cycling in American cities.

Friss argues that the demise of the cycling city ultimately paved the way for today's car-centric urban landscapes. It marked the end of the possibility of a true American cycling city ever being built. While cycling has faced challenges in recent years, there are ongoing efforts to promote cycling as a viable transportation option and to create more bicycle-friendly cities. Efforts to build bike lanes, promote cycling education, and encourage urban planning that prioritizes cycling are crucial in rekindling the passion for cycling and creating a more sustainable and livable future.

In conclusion, the history of cycling in the United States is a rich and complex tale that spans more than a century. From the heyday of the cycling city in the 1890s to its decline in the 20th century, the debate about bicycles and their place in cities continues to be an important one. By understanding the past, we can learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards creating a more bicycle-friendly future. Whether through promoting cycling as a mode of transportation, investing in cycling infrastructure, or fostering a culture that values cycling, we can work towards building a more sustainable and livable urban landscape.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226758800