A child tries out a tricycle during a bicycle auction in Mount Prospect.
Daily Herald file, 1966
According to the National Museum of American History, Charles Baron von Drais of Sauerbrun invented a type of pre-bicycle in 1817 which had a steerable front wheel and a padded saddle.
It wasn't until the late 1850s that pedals were added to various two-wheeled machines.
Since then, manufacturers have created bicycles to satisfy a variety of riding styles and biking adventures. Many cities in the United States have seen a large growth in their riding communities with Chicago, Portland, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia leading the way.
The Chicago suburbs have seen community leaders develop bike paths and bike lanes in their towns.
In our #TBT bicycle gallery, we take a look back at some of these communities from the 1960s to the mid-1970s. Bike rodeos were popular annual events held by local law inforcement organizations. Bike rodeos continue today including in Buffalo Grove, St. Charles and Gurnee.
We hope you enjoy this look back at bicycles in the suburbs.
Got an idea for a suburban #TBT Gallery? Share your ideas and photos with us at tbt@dailyherald.com. Share your favorite and memorable #TBT photos with us on Instagram using #tbtsuburbs.
A police officer display a bicycle during a Mount Prospect bike auction.
Daily Herald file, 1966
Two girls cruise down a Mount Prospect street in 1970.
Daily Herald file, 1970
A talking bicycle from Schaumburg Schwinn Cyclery is demonstrated in Elk Grove Village.
Daily Herald file, 1973
Students participate in tricycle races at Prospect High School.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Students race during a tricycle event at Prospect High School.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Police officers conduct at bike inspection for kids in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file, 1974
The Suburban National Bank was the site of a police safety inspection Elk Grove Village.
Daily Herald file, 1974
A new bike route is dedicated and opened in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Riders take off after a new Arlington Heights bike route opens.
Daily Herald file, 1974
A couple heads out on a bike ride in Des Plaines.
Daily Herald file, 1974
A high-wheeler rider participates in a Fourth of July parade in Des Plaines.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Elk Grove Village police officers conduct a bike auction.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Police officers give instructions during a Buffalo Grove bike check.
Daily Herald file, 1974
The Ghost Rider Bicycle Rodeo is held by Des Plaines police officers.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Bicycles riders watch as officers make safety inspections during a Buffalo Grove bike check.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Kids ride through an obstacle course during a bike rodeo in Palatine.
Daily Herald file, 1974
Mount Prospect police officers conduct a bicycle safety event.
Daily Herald file, 1985
Riders round the track during a race in Northbrook.
Daily Herald file, 1985
A girl tries out her riding skills during a bike road in Palatine.
Daily Herald file, 1985
Two tricycle riders get ready to participate in a Palatine bike rodeo.
Daily Herald file, 1985
A rider pushes hard during a track race in Northbrook.
Daily Herald file, 1985