Elliott Hickory Bicycle, circa 1890

Summary

Many women in the late 19th century wanted to ride bicycles. But mounting a high-wheel ordinary was difficult, especially in a period dress -- and donning athletic attire or bloomers for some was considered socially unacceptable. The safety bicycle changed that. This drop-frame safety allowed women to mount the bicycle easily and accommodated the dresses worn by riders.

Many women in the late 19th century wanted to ride bicycles. But mounting a high-wheel ordinary was difficult, especially in a period dress -- and donning athletic attire or bloomers for some was considered socially unacceptable. The safety bicycle changed that. This drop-frame safety allowed women to mount the bicycle easily and accommodated the dresses worn by riders.

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

circa 1890

Keywords

Bicycles 

Henry Ford Museum
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Collections Gallery

Object ID

38.441.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Nickel (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)
Rubber (Material)

Color

Black (Color)
Green
Red

Dimensions

Height: 39 in

Width: 26 in

Length: 72.5 in

Wheelbase: 45.25 in

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