Hertfordshire Genealogy: The Road Through Harpenden: The Coming of the Bicycle

THE NEW TOY. - The velocipedian mania is, evidently, fast spreading in the country. A short time ago one was hardly ever visible, but now a pedestrian can hardly walk but a very short distance, on a week evening, without encountering one or more enthusiastic amateur careering along on a bicycle. Those who think they could easily follow the example are, probably, very much mistaken, as we have amusedly noticed more than one greenhorn ludicrously descend to terra firma several times, after having through the expenditure of infinite pains mounted the locomotive by the efforts of his companions, effected a fair start, and though labouring perseveringly at the treadles been apparently progressing swimmingly.

A New Bicycle Club. - A meeting was held on Tuesday evening at Mr. Saddington, Dagnall-street, when it was resolved to form a "City of St Albans Bicycle Club." Nine members joined, and Mr H. Scruby was appointed captain pro tem, Mr G. Thorne, treasurer, and Mr H Turner, secretary.

FOR SALE - 48in BICYCLE, "London," in excellent condition, with Stassen's centre wheel bag for carrying baggage; can be seen by arrangement. - Address Bicycle, Herts Advertiser Office.

RUDGE’S Front-steering TRICYCLE, in very good order, balls to all parts; must be sold, owner going abroad. – Can be seen any time at A Goodman’s, bicycle maker, St Stephen’s, St Albans.

SAFETY BICYCLE, unused, Rover pattern; all best steel, 1888 pattern; nickel-plated, parts beautifully enamelled; warranted perfect; half usual price, Ł7 10s; approval willingly any distance. – T Bennett, 2 Oswald-road (Alma-road end), St Albans.

By this time the "ordinary" bicycle (i.e. the penny- farthing) was falling out of fashion, and being replaced by the safety bicycle - with wheels of equal size and a chain drive.

BICYCLING. - A bicycle match over a ten mile course was entered into on Saturday afternoon between Messrs C. Dillingham and H. Roberts of Luton. Starting from the first milestone on the London-road, Luton, they raced to St Albans which was reached by the last named in 32˝ minutes, or four minutes ahead of his opponent.