Bicycle History

The Library of Congress collections have a number of materials related to the history and evolution of the bicycle. When searching the Library of Congress Online Catalog, it is possible to locate materials by browsing by call number (LC Classification "GV" and particularly the GV1040 series) or by subject heading:

A Bicycle Trio. 1896. Popular Graphic Arts. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Edwin Ralph Collins. Wobbles' tour around the world on a bicycle. 1890. Selected Digitized Books. Library of Congress General Collections.

Buffalo: Courier Litho. Co. The Adam Forepaugh and Sells Brothers America's greatest shows consolidated...1900. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Print Resources

The following selected titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are provided when available.

Spalding's Official Bicycle Guide by New York, American sports publishing company, 18
Call Number: GV1053 .S73
Published/Created: 1896-
Cyclist's Dictionary... by Chicago, Van Sicklen, printer.
Call Number: GV1043 .S87
Published/Created: c1893
How to Ride a Bicycle. Containing instructions for beginners, choice of a machine, hints on training, etc. ... by Warford, Aaron A
Call Number: GV1041 .W27
Published/Created: 1884

Digital Collections

These following digital collections are a great place to look for materials for researching bicycle history.

Selected Digitized Books
Most of the books in this collection were published in the United States before 1923 and are in English, but there are some materials in foreign languages, were published in other countries, or by federal agencies. The collection features thousands of works of fiction published in the United States between 1800 and 1922, including books intended for children, young adults, and other specific audiences.
Chronicling America
Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1789-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present.

Trade Catalogues and the American Home External This link opens in a new window
Includes a number of 19th and 20th century bicycle catalogs. Many of these catalogs are richly illustrated (sometimes b/w, sometimes in color) and will often include schematics, price lists, and accessories for cycling, including fashions.

Bicycles and Cycling History: A Resource Guide

History, Humanities & Social Sciences: Ask a Librarian