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Photos: A Historical Look at Biking in DC

#bikedc is older than you might think.

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Photos: A Historical Look at Biking in DC
Man rides with child and dog near the reflecting pool, September 1991. Photograph by Laura Patterson. All Photos from Library of Congress.
Man attempts to ride down the steps of the US Capitol Building Photograph by the Platt Brothers\ via Library of Congress.
Man attempts to ride down the steps of the US Capitol Building in 1884. Photograph by the Platt Brothers.
Bike messenger boys Earle Griffith and Eddie Tahoory working April of 1912. Photograph by Lewis Wickes Hine \ via Library of Congress
Bike messenger boys Earle Griffith and Eddie Tahoory working April of 1912. Photograph by Lewis Wickes Hine.
72-year old US Dimplomat Alvey Augustus Adee, Second Assistant Secretary of State, riding his bike to work. Photograph by M. Neubert\ via Library of Congress
72-year old US Diplomat Alvey Augustus Adee, Second Assistant Secretary of State, riding his bike to work in 1914. Photograph by M. Neubert.
1922 bike race in Washington D.C. Photographer Unknown
1922 bike race in Washington D.C. Photographer unknown.
Dr. Loo S. Rowe of Pan-American Union greets Argentinian cyclists Victor Scarraffia (front) and Vincente Gregori (rear) in 1934 after they complete a 2 and a half year journey.
Dr. Loo S. Rowe of Pan-American Union greets Argentinian cyclists Victor Scarraffia (front) and Vincente Gregori (rear) in 1934 after they complete a two-and-a-half-year journey. Photograph by Harris & Ewing.
Washingtonian Henry G. Slaughter (right) meets with Charles M. Upham (left), Engineer and Director of the American Road Builders Ass'n. and H.F. Summerville (center), Managing Director of the Willard Hotel, before his international bike ride to promote the Inter- American highway in 1935. Photograph by Harris & Ewing
Washingtonian Henry G. Slaughter (right) meets with Charles M. Upham (left), Engineer and Director of the American Road Builders Ass’n. and H.F. Summerville (center), Managing Director of the Willard Hotel, before his international bike ride to promote the Inter- American highway in 1935. Photograph by Harris & Ewing.
Bikers pass a statue in East Potomac Park erected in memory of the victims of the Titanic. Photograph by Marjory Collins
In 1942, bikers pass a statue in East Potomac Park erected in memory of the victims of the Titanic. Photograph by Marjory Collins.
Boys ride bikes at Rock Creek Park, May 1942. Photograph by John Ferrell
Boys ride bikes at Rock Creek Park, May 1942. Photograph by John Ferrell.

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Sydney MaHan
Editorial Fellow

Sydney is an editorial fellow at Washingtonian Magazine, where she writes about history, news, food, and events. A recent graduate of the College of William & Mary, she is interested in writing and videography. You can follow her on Twitter @sydneykmahan