Bicycle in the Park
by Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Title
Bicycle in the Park
Artist
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
An old bicycle leans against a tree in the park early in the day, waiting to be taken down the road for a spin!.....
Cycling steadily became more important in Europe over the first half of the twentieth century, but it dropped off dramatically in the United States between 1900 and 1910. Automobiles became the preferred means of transportation. Over the 1920s, bicycles gradually became considered children's toys, and by 1940 most bicycles in the United States were made for children. In Europe cycling remained an adult activity, and bicycle racing, commuting, and "cyclotouring" were all popular activities. In addition, specialist bicycles for children appeared before 1916.
Bicycles continued to evolve to suit the varied needs of riders. The derailleur developed in France between 1900 and 1910 among cyclotourists, and was improved over time. Only in the 1930s did European racing organizations allow racers to use gearing; until then they were forced to use a two-speed bicycle. The rear wheel had a sprocket on either side of the hub. To change gears, the rider had to stop, remove the wheel, flip it around, and remount the wheel. When racers were allowed to use derailleurs, racing times immediately dropped.
At mid-century there were two predominant bicycle styles for recreational cyclists in North America. Heavyweight cruiser bicycles, preferred by the typical (hobby) cyclist, featuring balloon tires, pedal-driven "coaster" brakes and only one gear, were popular for their durability, comfort, streamlined appearance, and a significant array of accessories (lights, bells, springer forks, speedometers, etc..). Lighter cycles, with hand brakes, narrower tires, and a three-speed hub gearing system, often imported from England, first became popular in the United States in the late 1950s.
Uploaded
December 3rd, 2012
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Comments (20)
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Joan, thanks very much for the special Feature of Bicycle in the Park in our group Bicycle Art and Photography! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
JR, thanks so much for the special Feature of Bicycle in the Park in our group Beige Brown Sepia! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Mary, thanks so much for writing and for Voting! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
JR, thank you so much for the special Feature of Bicycle in the Park in our group Gothic Romance! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Darren, thanks very much for the special Feature of Bicycle in the Park in our group Photography and Textures Make Fine Art! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Julie Magers Soulen
Love the texture and warmth to this image. It really goes so sweetly with the old bike! f/v
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Krista, thank you very much for the special Feature of Bicycle in the Park in our group Collectors Treasures! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Krista, thank you so much for the special Feature of Bicycle in the Park in our group Best Artwork Collections! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave