The Day Tacoma Ran on Two Wheels
Hundreds of cyclists filled the roads, women riders multiplied, and local wheelmen organized for municipal rules—while every bicycle in town sold out.
Tacoma, May 12.—Special. This was the greatest day of the season for bicycling. Wheelmen were on in all directions by the hundreds. A number made trips to Olympia, while a dozen or more Olympians came here. Among those who rode over from the capital city were Tom McGraw, Governor McGraw's son, C. K. McKinley, of the governor's office, and Miss Hickman.
In the past month the number of wheelwomen in the city has increased wonderfully. It is now estimated that there are 500 wheelwomen daily in Tacoma. A wheelman association has been organized for the purpose of securing municipal legislation in regard to wheeling and to correct abuses. The association, though only a few weeks old, has a large membership. It is officered by prominent professional men. Of the several bicycle stores in town, not one has wheels in stock, all having been purchased.
“Of the several bicycle stores in town, not one has wheels in stock, all having been purchased.”
The 1890s bicycle boom reshaped streets and social rules before the automobile arrived; Tacoma's riders even organized for municipal legislation. Today's debates over bike lanes, e-bikes and road safety are the latest round in the same contest over who belongs on the street.
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