How can a bike help us travel through time?
When bikes became available to more people in the late 1800s, they offered a way of getting around for lots of people who couldn’t afford a horse. While cars have grown in popularity over the years, bikes continue to be used for recreation, sport, and travel. What’s more, bicycle production has put Wisconsin on the map.
Let's take a look
Questions to consider
What were some materials people used to make bikes over the years? What is important to think about when choosing materials for a bike?
What was going on in the United States when Trek first started making bikes in the 1970s?
What did the increased availability of bikes do for people in the late 1800s? How did bicycle makers at that time customize bikes for women?
Meet the historians
Get to know the historians. Each historian in this episode has a card with information about that historian.
There are 3 cards to read.
Kacie Lucchini Butcher
Public Historian
I find and share stories from the past that have shaped our present, and love showing people how cool history is!
Sergio González
History Professor
I research and teach about the history of Latinos in the Midwest.
Nick Hoffman
Public Historian
I get to share our fascinating history and culture with the world!
Quote from a historian
“Biking is a huge part of Wisconsin’s history. Over the decades many people have worked hard to make sure cycling was open to everyone.”
Nick Hoffman
Episode credits
Producer
David Boffa
Coordinating Producer
Mia Forslund
Hosts
Kacie Lucchini Butcher
Sergio González
Nick Hoffman
Research and Writing
David Boffa
Nick Hoffman
Director of Photography
Ryan Hendricks
Videography
Ryan Hendricks
Ian Glodich
David Boffa
Editing
David Boffa
Ian Glodich
Captioning
Catie Pfeifer
Translation Services
Rev
Educator Support Materials
David Boffa
Mia Forslund
Kate Melberg
Web Design
Charles Barrows
Erika Kachama-Nkoy
Web Development
John Vieth
Graphic and Motion Design
Charles Barrows
Ian Glodich
Danielle Riseley
Additional Production Support
Philip Ashby
Al Barcheski
John Dachik
Angie Hause
Kurt Kaspar
Andy LaValley
Doug May
Will Salzmann
Executive Producer
Director of Education
Megan Monday
Director of Television
Jon Miskowski
Project Partners
Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History
University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries
Wisconsin Historical Society
Special Thanks
Scott Roller
Educator advisors
Debbie Burmeister
Neenah, WI
Peoria, AZ
Erin Ermis
Neenah Joint School District
Neenah, WI
Toni Heinowski
Muskego, WI
Tanya Schmidt
Oshkosh Area School District
Barb Shaver
Kettle Moraine School District
Wales, WI
Funding provided by
Timothy William Trout Education Fund
a gift of Monroe and Sandra Trout
Eleanor and Thomas Wildrick Family
Focus Fund for Education
Friends of PBS Wisconsin