A Couple American Three Speed Bikes - Fourth of July

1947 Schwinn Continental three speed bike

 

Happy Fourth of July

In keeping with the holiday, here are a few photos from rides this week on Schwinn three speeds: a blue 1947 Continental and a green 1957 Traveler. They're both excellent riders. The 1940s-50s Continental (not to be confused with the later 10 speed bikes) was light, sporty touring bike for its time, while the Traveler was heavier and more luxurious bike that was fully equipped. 

1947 Continental

 

Both bikes are reminders that American companies produced their own version of the English three speed, complete with styling and equipment geared more toward the American market of the mid-20th century.

1957 Schwinn Traveler

1957 Traveler head badge

A 1957 Thunderbird logo added to the Traveler's bag

 

 

Electric Bikes and Bike Trails

 A recent article and a few observations...

 I saw a local news article discussing electric bicycles on bike and multi-use pedestrian trails.

https://www.wfsb.com/2025/06/30/electric-bikes-scooters-with-motors-causing-dangerous-conditions-ct-walking-trails/ 

Electric bicycles certainly have a proper time and place for use by the public. Electric bicycles, for example, can help older or disabled people to pedal a bicycle. They can help all riders to go up steeper hills, which are common in some parts of the USA. 

However as bicyclists, I think we need to differentiate between electric bikes that assist riders to pedal and ride as a traditional bicycle would go, versus machines that amount to ersatz motorcycles. Pedal-assist electric bikes that travel at speeds comparable to a traditional bicycle should be allowed on bike trails. Electric bicycles capable of traveling at speeds comparable to a motor vehicle without any pedaling do not belong on bike and multi-use pedestrian trails. 

Many trails have a 10 to 15 miles per hour speed limit. Traditional bikes and pedal-assist electric bikes can exceed those speeds, but there is the degree of offense is far worse when we see an electric bike hauling along at 25 or 30 miles per hour, all while the rider does not have to pedal at all. 

Sometimes we lump electric bicycles and traditional bicycles into two large groups. In reality, I think we need to differentiate between electric bikes where the motor assists the rider to pedal in a traditional way, versus an electric motor that converts the machine to what basically amounts to a light grade motorcycle. We wouldn't want a Honda or a Harley Davidson on the bike trail, so why allow an electric bicycle doing basically the same kind of thing?

Food for thought on a warm, humid Monday afternoon... 

Long Days - 1959 Schwinn Content

 Summer is my favorite season. I enjoy the long days, warm evenings, and chance to ride vintage bicycles after work finishes. I try to ride three times per week or more, but the weather sometimes foils that plan. Friday evening was unseasonably cool for around here, but it stayed dry and there was enough daylight to ride this beautiful, 1959 Schwinn Traveler three speed.