Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Cool Bicycle Art




Here's some cool bicycle art on an old tobacco tin from the 1890's.  L.A.W. stands for the League of American Wheelmen.  This was probably the very first cycling advocacy group formed in America and still survives to this day as The League of American Bicyclists.  

At the tail end of the 19th century the L.A.W. had a lot of political power and championed the cause which they called "Good Roads".  At that time the bicycle was undergoing a surge of popularity and roadways were rutted dusty paths at best and virtually impassible quagmires if they were wet.  Today it is a little known fact that bicyclists were responsible for the push to pave roads making travel easier, not the automobile.



3 comments:

  1. Nice find there. Is it yours? The tin, I mean?

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    Replies
    1. No I spotted it in a collection of photos of antique tobacco tins. The pics were originally from an online auction.

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  2. "Good roads" - a timeless sentiment.

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