Good Roads

I was surprised to recently learn cyclists first lobbied for Good Roads in this country. Facing motorist domination of the roads, cyclists ask that the road be shared without realizing the roads exist because cyclists got them built.

In the late 1800's, Horatio "Good Roads" Earle shepherded the Good Roads Movement, a national push to develop roads outside of cities. Earle chaired the Michigan branch of the League of American Wheelman that promoted a national system of roads.

In his 1929 autobiography, Earle states:

"I often hear now-a-days, the automobile instigated good roads; that the automobile is the parent of good roads. Well, the truth is, the bicycle is the father of the good roads movement in this country."

"...the League of American Wheelmen was formed in 1879, with each state organized as a division. The League was the first organization that promoted the building of better roads. The League fought for the privilege of building bicycle-paths along the side of public highways. The League fought for the privilege of carrying bicycles in baggage cars on railroads. The League fought for equal privileges with horse-drawn vehicles. All these battles were won and the bicyclist was accorded equal rights with other users of highways and streets."