The bicycle has been such an integral part of American life for over one hundred years that it’ s hard to image what a technological advancement the two wheeled device offered. Not only did the bicycle give people increased mobility, but it also provided opportunities for people to explore places nearby, enjoy exercise and even change women’ s fashions.
For decades people had been trying to figure out how to create a machine that could be powered by a single human being. Early prototypes were like today’ s balance bikes for children. These had no pedals, but did aid the rider in traveling faster than just walking. The“ penny farthing” or high wheel bicycle was a difficult and dangerous machine that didn’ t achieve popularity.
Things changed with a design improvement that incorporated two wheels of the same size. Other improvements included a chain drive, which provided power to the rear wheel and the pneumatic bicycle tire which allowed for a smoother ride. The upgrades were called the“ safety bike.”
Considered the golden age of cycling, the 1890s and early 1900s saw an explosive growth in manufacturing. The introduction of
Bicycles in Early Mountain View the coaster brake further increased the popularity of cycling.
Advertisement from the 1908 MVHS yearbook.
In 1899 more than 1.1 million bicycles were made in the United States. Large numbers of women started cycling, and the market greatly expanded; cycling came to symbolize the women’ s movement. Suffragette Susan B. Anthony considered the invention of the bicycle to be the single most important factor in women’ s fight for equal rights.
Men’ s bicycle racing clubs were formed all over the country. Our city had a club-the“ Mountain View Cyclers.” Not only did they participate in races against other local clubs, the group was also a social club that hosted dances and parties. Elegantly printed invitations were distributed prior to the events, along with notices in the newspaper. Prominent men were members: John H. Mockbee, Raymond Bubb, Samuel Weilheimer, Victor Distel, Adolph Ehrhorn, Frank Grant and Tom Rogers are some of the names that we can recognize today.
Despite mostly unpaved roads, cycling was popular in Mountain View. Several early photos of Castro Street show a bicycle leaning up against a building while the rider was evidently inside the store shopping. In the photo of the William Booher family, minister for the Methodist Episcopal Church, the bicycle is prominently featured. We imagine that Reverand Booher used his bicycle to visit parishioners.
Other photos show riders viewing damage after the 1906 earthquake or riding on a muddy Castro Street. The only photo of a woman rider that we could find in the collection is that of Georgia Rogers Swall, who evidently was a regular rider, based on the shorter skirt shown in the photograph. An article in the local newspaper described her as a talented rider.
Several companies sold bicycles in Mountain View. A store located on Castro Street sold bicycles and cycling gear and served as the headquarters for the“ Cyclers” club. Ads were featured in the local newspaper and high school yearbooks.
Although the introduction of the automobile lessened the demand for bicycles as a means of transportation, cycling remains an important method of local travel. Today the city has many miles of protected bike lanes and plans
for more.— Pamela Baird, MVHA President
MVHA thanks James Thajudeen, History Center Librarian for his research contributions
History Happening Now
On January 25 the long-awaited opening of the Mountain View Magical Bridge playgrounds occurred. A large crowd of families, city officials, sponsors and those who donated funds to the playground gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Magical Bridge Playgrounds
City Manager Kimbra McCarthy and Parks & Recreation manager John Marchant discussed the process and contributions that the city made toward the project.
Magical Bridge Foundation founder and CEO Olenka Villarreal spoke about the mission of the organization –
“ to create innovative and internationally recognized playgrounds, parks, and programs for more inclusive communities.”
Left to right: Mayor Ellen Kamai, Founder Olenka Villareal, County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, City Council Member Lucas Ramirez, Vice Mayor Emily Ramos and Council Members Chris Clark and Alison Hicks. Also included are former Supervisor Joe Simitian and Assemby Member Marc Berman. Together, they celebrated the opening of the Magical Bridge Playgrounds.
Mayor Ellen Kamai enthusiastically stated“ this playground is a testament to our city’ s dedication to equity and inclusion.”
The playground includes a Custom Playhouse and Stage, a Tot Zone Art and Kindness Cove, and a swing, spin and slide zone with an area for relaxation.
The Magical Bridge Playground is located at Rengstorff Park near the tennis courts.
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