The League was founded as the League of American Wheelmen in 1880. Bicyclists, known then as “wheelmen,” were challenged by rutted roads of gravel and dirt and faced antagonism from horsemen, wagon drivers, and pedestrians.

In an effort to improve riding conditions so they might better enjoy their newly discovered sport, more than 100,000 cyclists from across the United States joined the League to advocate for paved roads. The success of the League in its first advocacy efforts ultimately led to our national highway system.

Read more about our history below.

When more people ride bikes: life is better for everyone.

our vision

is a nation where everyone recognizes and enjoys the many benefits and opportunities of bicycling.

Our Mission

is to lead the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.

If you know the joy of bicycling, become a League member today.

Explore League History

American Drivers Have Bicyclists to Thank for a Smooth Ride to Work, Smithsonian Magazine

A Collection of Women's Bike History

Digital Archives at University of Massachusetts, Boston

League Rights a Wrong, Lifting Forgotten Racial Ban, Major Taylor Association