Skip to content

Save a Dime, Get Home on Time: Ride a Ranger

Amidst the recent barrage of generally crappy bike-related news, here's some inspiring fare: early 20th century catalogue copy from the Chicago-based Mead Bicycle Company, which reminds that the pleasures and benefits derived from human-powered transport are as varied as they are timeless. Here's a taste:
meadbike.jpg

Amidst the recent barrage of generally crappy bike-related news, here’s some inspiring fare: early 20th century catalogue copy from the Chicago-based Mead Bicycle Company, which reminds that the pleasures and benefits derived from human-powered transport are as varied as they are timeless. Here’s a taste:

If you work in a city, ride to work and home again on a bicycle! Don’t stay indoors so much of the time — keep outside more and you’ll be happier and your brain will be clearer. You can think better. Worries, the “blues,” etc., will vanish. You must be healthy to be happy. A bicycle will give you a store of health, and enable you to face life’s battles with strength, courage, confidence, and enthusiasm.

You can find the actual catalogue page here. Find out more about Mead, once famous for its mail-order “Ranger” line, here and here. Enjoy. 

Photo of Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Read More:

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Demolition Derby: Cops Crash Their Squad Cars In A High-Speed Chase … In A Park!

October 14, 2026

Poll Shows Huge Support for Apartments Near Transit As Hochul, Blakeman Debate Housing

October 14, 2026

‘Everyone Should Be Furious’: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are Up 41% As Public Fix Stalls

October 14, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines: Officer Of The Raw Edition

October 14, 2026

The Hangover: Mamdani Continues Adams Policy of Allowing Cars on Park Drives

October 13, 2026
See all posts