Panama-Pacific International Exposition: Parade of Bicycle Evolution

This footage from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, held in San Francisco in 1915, captures a unique segment of the parade dedicated to showcasing the evolution of the bicycle:
The parade features cyclists riding various types of bicycles, with a particular highlight on the "high wheelers," or penny-farthings, which were popular in the late 19th century. These bicycles, with their large front wheel and small rear wheel, represent an early and iconic stage in bicycle design.
This part of the exposition parade would have been both educational and entertaining, illustrating the technological advancements in personal transportation from the earliest forms to those of the early 20th century. It reflects the exposition's broader theme of celebrating progress in technology and industry.
The inclusion of such a parade segment underscores the cultural significance of the bicycle, not only as a mode of transport but also as a symbol of human ingenuity and the democratization of mobility.
The visual of cyclists on high wheelers, navigating through the parade route, would have been a spectacle, drawing attention to the nostalgia and the comedic challenges of riding these machines, blending history with entertainment.