Read this excerpt from Chapter 1 of Wheels of Change by Sue Macy.

Pope imported the best cycling articles and pamphlets from England and distributed them to potential customers. He encouraged American author Charles E. Pratt to write The American Bicycler, a handbook for cyclists, and gave away thousands of copies after it was published in 1879. He helped to underwrite a monthly magazine, The Wheelman (later called Outing), and gave prizes to doctors who wrote the most effective articles linking bicycle riding to good health.

While he nurtured the popularity of the bicycle through the press, Pope also supported legal and political efforts to establish cycling as a legitimate endeavor. That included going to court in cities where riding was outlawed on streets or in parks based on claims that cycles frightened horses.

What events were occurring during the same time period?

Pope traveled to England to study the bicycle’s popularity there.
Pope used various literary sources to promote the bicycle.
Pope changed the name of his monthly magazine to appeal to women.
Pope used experts’ testimonies to explain the positive effects of cycling.
Pope spoke out against laws that prohibited cycling in public places.