The Tricycle

Front:
Tricycle 1880s Tricycle 1880s Tricycle 1880s 6. 6 USA 6 USA 6 USA CHI DS 1985 1985 21916 21916

Back:
THE TRICYCLE First Day of Issue: May 6, 1985 First Issue Location: Childs, Maryland Life in America during the 1880s was a simpler time — a time when people enjoyed life's small pleasures. Strol- ling through parks on warm summer evenings, sitting on porch swings and enjoying buggy rides on Sunday after- noons were all popular activities. But perhaps the most favored pastime of all was cycling. However, the tall big-wheeled bicycles of the era required balance, skill and a great deal of courage to ride. For a sudden stop or unexpected bump could send the rider tumbling head- over-handle-bars. As a result, people demanded a safer and more stable cycle — thus the three-wheeled “tricy- cle” was born. Unlike the awkward big-wheels, tricycle riders could easily carry packages ... and could stop their vehicle without the perils associated with the bicy- cle. However, the popularity of this unique three- wheeled vehicle declined with the development of the "safety” bicycle which solved the problems of the high big-wheels. Yet the charm and nostalgia of the early tricycle lives on as part of America's colorful past. No. 85-32 ©1985 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Dick Simms.