An interesting article on early bicycle adoption by the U.S. military. It’s also appropriate reading during Black History Month. A great story from Dirt Rag Magazine.
In 1896, the bicycle was cutting-edge technology. European armies were quick to adopt this new invention. The first known use of the bicycle in combat occurred during the so-called “Jameson Raid,” preceding the Second Boer War (1899-1901), where cyclists were used to relay messages. The United States was slower to see the value of the bicycle. Despite having plans as early as 1894 for outfitting 50,000 soldiers on bicycles, the plans do not appear to have been widely accepted.
Source: Iron Bicycles and Buffalo Soldiers | Dirt Rag
