Formation | January 31, 1879 |
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Dissolved | c. 1914 |
Type | Cycling club |
Headquarters | LeDroit Building, Washington, D.C., United States |
Location |
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The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.C. During the late 1870s, Interest in cycling spread across the United States following the increased importation and marketing of Ordinary-style bicycles (also known as penny-farthings). On January 31, 1879, a group of seven cycling enthusiasts founded the club. Despite initial complaints and suspicion from Washington residents, it became a popular recreational club among the city's white upper-class. The city became known as a "bicycler's paradise" by cyclists due to its wide, smoothly-paved streets. The club held a large numbers of rides across the city and surrounding rural areas, alongside social events at its clubhouse. It also organized annual races and various forms of competitions or "trick-riding" events. Women's participation within the club increased over time, especially strengthened by the spread of the safety bicycle, with equally sized wheels. The club disbanded in 1914 after 35 years of operation.