Nellie Provine and Minnie Morris with bicycle, 1898 (L 75.0467)

The first bicycle to come to Seattle arrived by boat in 1879 and was displayed at a stationery and book shop in Pioneer Square. It was a child’s bike, purchased by a man named Jules Lipsky for his son. Innovations in the 1880s, like pneumatic tires and chains, made bicycling easier and more enjoyable for men and women. Bicycles were also relatively inexpensive and allowed more flexibility of route than relying on a trolley line. Cycling clubs sprang up around the area and it seemed like the bicycle would have a bright future.

As the automobile became more prevalent, bicycles were quickly pushed aside in the late 1890s, despite Seattle laying about 25 miles of bike paths. For subsequent decades, bikes were considered a pastime for children. By 1940, most bicycles manufactured in the U.S. were for children.

The 1970s saw a boom in bicycling, especially in urban communities. An interest in energy efficient transportation and increased concerns over exercise and health led many Americans to take up cycling as adults. Sales of adult bicycles in the U.S. doubled between 1971 and 1975.

In Washington, cycling clubs were founded and groups lobbied for the Burke-Gilman Trail, the first 12.1 miles of which opened in 1978. The Seattle-to-Portland bike ride was established in 1979.

Redmond Bicycle Derby

The Redmond Bicycle Derby was established in 1939 to celebrate bicycling and promote civic engagement. The origins of the derby are often attributed to bike races conducted between local children, especially those who had paper routes. Ray Adams, Charlie Lentz, Roy Buckley, and others raced on their bicycles around Lake Sammamish. In those days, the eastern shore of the lake did not have paved roads, which made the 25-mile race more challenging.

Bike Derby Queen and King, 1956 (L 87.044.041)

These early, informal races evolved into a community fundraiser with tickets being sold for a chance to guess the winning race time. The person with the closest guess would win $25. Funds generated through ticket sales were used to purchase decorations and flags for downtown, as well as athletic equipment for the local schools. The Derby was so popular, it became an annual event.

World War II brought about rationing of many everyday items like sugar, clothing, and gasoline. Bicycles were also rationed, as the facilities and materials used to make them were reallocated to the war effort. To purchase a new bicycle at this time, a person had to attest to their need. Their trip to work or school had to be more than 3 miles, with public transportations being either unavailable or overcrowded. As a result of this, there was no Bicycle Derby.

After the war, bicycle manufacturing came back to pre-war levels and the Derby returned. In 1952, several local mayors entered the Derby in their own bike race. Bothell, Houghton, Fall City, Kirkland, Bellevue and Redmond all competed, with Redmond Mayor Louie Green coming in first place.

2005 Redmond Bicycle Derby - People on old fashioned bicycles 2016.002.005

Over the next two decades, bicycles shifted from child’s toy to a healthy alternative to driving. In 1968, Seattle initiated Bicycle Sunday, which closed Lake Washington Boulevard to cars for a day. An increase in environmental awareness in the early 1970s encouraged more people to take up cycling.

2023 marks eighty-four years since the first official Bicycle Derby. Now known as Redmond Derby Days, the event encompasses carnival rides, parades, live music, and food and craft vendors. But the central theme remains - the bicycle races.

Resources:

Eastside Heritage Center Archives

Cycling in Washington State, www.historylink.org/File/20810. Accessed 25 July 2023.

“Derby Days History.” Redmond Historical, www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/derby-days-archive. Accessed 25 July 2023.

“History of the Bicycle.” Wikipedia, 29 June 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_bicycle.

“History.” Cascade Bicycle Club, cascade.org/about/history. Accessed 25 July 2023.

Knute Berge. September 23, 2013. “How Bikes Led Seattle’s First Roads Renaissance.” Crosscut, 21 July 2023, crosscut.com/2013/09/seattles-first-golden-age-bikes.

Malowney, Georgeann. Images of America, Redmond, Washington. Arcadia, 2002.

Way, Nancy. Our Town, Redmond. Marymoor Museum, 1989.