When Eva Woodruff and Ella Davis peddled bicycles in 1891, the local paper applauded them. That report made them the first women cyclists in Clark County — or at least the first to ride “safeties,” improved bikes akin to today’s one-speeds but lacking fenders and chain guards.
Although there’s no record of local women riding the earlier, less safe bicycles, that doesn’t suggest local women didn’t risk a ride or two. In 1869, people gathered to watch riders pedal front-wheel drive and springless velocipedes, the Vancouver Register reported. These bone-shakers disappeared, thanks to their rear-pounding ride. Nor is there any mention of the penny-farthing with its enormous front wheel and high seat inspiring locals. Perhaps they were cautious, for mounting a mule was easier than sliding onto the high-wheeler’s saddle — and dismounting proved equally chancy.
An 1893 meeting at the Columbia Hotel formed the Vancouver Wheel Club. Other clubs arose in a few years. Eventually, riders from Mill Plain, Fourth Plain, Hazel Dell, Fruit Valley and Salmon Creek formed clubs, and all wanted better bike paths in their areas.
The Clark County Cycle Club wrote and delivered a proposed regulation to the city council in April 1899. The wheelmen wanted cyclists to pay a $1 license fee to be earmarked for bicycle paths. In May, the council passed the ordinance. By July, the city treasurer collected the tax from 600 bicyclers. Nonpayment resulted in a $5 fine.
