Ottawa's first bicycles were imported in 1882 from England at a price of $300 each by George A. Mothersill, founder of the Ottawa Bicycle Club. The club's first "meet" took place Aug. 19, 1882 outside the city limits. According to the first issue of "The Canadian Wheelmen", That so distant a point of starting should have been selected was due to a feeling of consideration for the city horses to an extent but chiefly to the existence of a slight feeling of uncertainty on the part of the riders, and an anxiety to be as far as possible from the public gaze". As cycling became more popular and less expensive, men and women gathered in groups, like the one shown here opposite the Aylmer cottage of E.Mial to exercise and socialize. (National Archives of Canada, E. Reardon)
