1st bicycles (Swift walkers, Velocipedes) in the US were imported from London immediately prompting the Common Council to issue a law forbidding their use on NY city’s sidewalks.

The city's Common Council passed a law to "prevent the use of velocipedes in the public places and on the sidewalks of the city of New York.

“A velocipede adapted to the use of all, old or young, large or small of either sex, skilled or unskilled, in which the pleasure of the exercise is enhanced by association, is shown in our engraving. The action and details of this invention are well delineated by our artist. This machine is designed for use in private and public pleasure grounds, or to be let by the hour at large fairs. It does one’s heart good, says our enthusiastic informant, to hear children fairly shriek with glee as the maximum speed is attained.”

Three dandies inspect a velocipede, which the dealer, bow-legged, horsy, and flashy-looking, holds by the steering-handle. They are outside a stable with an aperture through which look three hungry and startled horses. Above the closed door is a board: 'Stables [scored through] Hobby Horses taken in to mind or Stand at Livery NB a…

An Englishman directing two men to load bags of silver into a carriage where his wife is seated, while the money-changer gives thanks to heaven for his luck.

1st bicycles in the US

current

current Drawings and documents