Museum - The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, Ohio

February isn't the only Black History Month this year at the Bicycle Museum of America! Visit us between January and April 2021 to see our display of African American History in Cycling in the lobby of the museum! Learn about Isaac Johnson, Jerry Certain, Kittie Knox, and more! And of course, four bicycles that compliment these men and women's achievements.

In honor of those who serve, any active or retired service members will be admitted to the museum for free on Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. Thank you! Masks are required per state orders.

Welcome back! Masks are required per the statewide order. We are not allowing groups with 10 or more people in the museum, and ask that everyone practice proper social distancing. If you are not feeling well, please stay home.

November Holiday Hours: 11/25: 12 PM to 5 PM 11/26, Thanksgiving: Closed 11/27, Black Friday: 10 AM to 2 PM

The Bicycle of the Month for November is a 1947 Raleigh Sports Tourist. Raleigh is the oldest bicycle brand and company in the world, founded in 1888 and registered in 1889. The Raleigh name was chosen to commemorate the first street the company inhabited. The emblem features an Irish heron. This 1947 Raleigh Sports Tourist was sold from the first civilian Raleigh catalogue after World War II. During the war, Raleigh produced fuses at their Nottingham factory, with bicycle production down to 5% of their normal rate. Raleigh bicycles from the post-war era are unique for being "all-steel."

Happy Fall! The October Bicycle of the Month is a Raleigh Twenty! The Raleigh Twenty was Raleigh’s response to the popular Moulton bike during the 1960s. It was added to Raleigh’s selection of bicycles, even though it was very similar to the existing RSW 16 model. After a few years, the Twenty replaced the RSW 16 on Raleigh’s line of bicycles. The frame is notably durable and offers a performance that is comparable to a more traditional 3-speed sports bike. It stayed relatively popular; Raleigh produced this model through the early 1980s.

Wanting to visit the Bicycle Museum of America and ride your bike? Check out the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath! 36.6 miles from Fort Loramie, OH to Delphos, OH. https://www.traillink.com/trail/miami--erie-canal-towpath/

Introducing the September Bicycle of the Month! A 1976 Huffy Independence 10-speed. In tandem with national celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, companies in the mid-1970s used Americana styling in their designs. This bicycle shows the Huffy brand offering for that year of patriotic bicycle design.

Check out www.bicyclemuseum.com for our COVID-19 Announcement, FAQs, and group tour reservation form!

The August Bicycle of the Month is a 1976 Schwinn Varsity Bicentennial 10-speed. The Schwinn Varsity was the bicycle that introduced American consumers to derailleur-geared bicycles and made them accessible. It could be seen as the mascot of the renewal of cycling as a pastime in the US, not only for children but adults as well, during the bicycle boom of the 1960's and 1970's. This example shows the Schwinn brand celebration of the bicentennial of the American Revolution. The 1976 Schwinn catalog calls the Varsity a best buy that is a great first 10-speed. The Schwinn Collegiate was a rank about the Varsity. This design came in a boys and girls model.

Have a safe and healthy Independence Day!

Introducing the July Bicycle of the Month! A 1976 Huffy Star Spangler. In tandem with national celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, companies in the mid-1970s used Americana styling in their designs. This can be clearly observed with the stars and stripes motifs and the name of this bicycle. Muscle bikes were developed first by kids chopping their bikes in Southern California and then adopted by the industry to reflect the popularity of the muscle car. The combination of stars and stripes on a muscle bike shows the evolution of what is Americana to include the "new" iconic symbols of the 1960s and 1970s; fast, colorful, and loud cars.

We are excited to announce we will be opening on Monday, June 15. Our hours will be Monday-Friday 12:00pm to 5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Happy May Day! The bicycle, as a great equalizer, provided opportunities for work since the 1890s. It provided freedom of movement, and also the ability for a broader range of people to afford a vehicle to get them to work or to use in their work. A specific type of bicycle, "cycle-trucks," have large baskets attached to the frame to carry heavy items. The museum will have four such bicycles on display in the foyer, dating from the 1890s to the early 2000s. The Bicycle of... the Month for May is this 2008 Batavus Delivery Bike from Batavus of Accell Nederland BV, in the Netherlands. This limited run bike was made for daily commuting and delivery. A special steering block keeps the front wheel from turning when parked and bearing a load and the sturdy stand will keep everything from tipping over. The step-through frame allows for easy mounting. The generator-powered front and tail light, horn, and fenders provide for a safe commute. The special lock on the rear wheel and a chip for tracking the bike offers several layers of security. The serial number is another unique identifier of this brand and an added security element. See more

The April Bicycle of the Month is a 1941 Colson Double Eagle Clipper. The feminist movement of the 1940s was defined by the outbreak of WWII. As men left to fight in Europe and Asia, women were the ones who filled the factories to maintain production for the war effort. This is also when the military first allowed women to enter. Approximately 350,000 women enlisted in the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard. These brave women, both domestically and abroad, changed the view and role of women in American culture. The early 1940s would bring two iconic images of women: Wonder Woman (1941) and Rosie the Riveter (1942).

Bicycle Museum of America COVID-19 Statement: For the safety of our staff, community, and guests, the Bicycle Museum of America will temporarily close to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is effective on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The reopening will be announced via the website and our Facebook page. Guests who have group tours arranged will be contacted by staff for rescheduling or cancellations.