Originally Posted by
Bassmanbob
Actually, it makes sense to me. They didn't have automobiles.
Yes, but these people were riding for recreation, not to visit relatives or accomplish anything but pleasure.
Also, this continued past the time when "horseless carriages" started appearing on Long Island's roads. Many of the roadway improvements to Jericho Turnpike and other main roads were made to facilitate bicyclists. Those who traveled by horse and wagon hated macadam and other "modern" road surfaces, and thus hated cyclists (for this and other reasons). But then came automobiles and the motorists wanted to claim these roads for themselves and push the bicyclists off them. Clashes erupted all the time!