Phyllis Harmon Explained

Phyllis W. Harmon (October 14, 1916 - August 26, 2016) was an American bicycle enthusiast.

Early life

Harmon was born in Chicago in 1916 and started cycling at the age of 12 after buying her own bicycle.[1]

The League of American Wheelmen (L.A.W.)

The L.A.W., a national organization for cyclists, was founded in 1880 and actively defended the rights of cyclists until 1902, when the League became dormant. In the 1930s, Dick Wilson, a bicycle industry representative, invited members of the Evanston Bicycle Touring Club to become the first chapter of the inactive L.A.W. Harmon, age 19, joined and immediately began recruiting new members. After learning that three clubs could come together and form a council, she encouraged the Rambler Cycle Club and Oak Park Cycle Club to join with the Evanston club to become the first council in the League.

After World War II, the proliferation of automobiles and narrow highways left little room on the roads for bicycles. Bicycling was no longer safe or fun, so the League became inactive again in 1955. It re-opened again in 1966.[2]

Harmon served the organization in every conceivable role as a volunteer, office staff, historian, treasurer, executive vice president, and interim executive director (a position she held for four years). She also served as editor of the League's monthly bulletin for more than thirty years.[3]

Honors

Personal life

Harmon was married twice and had six children.[6]

Her final bicycle ride was at the age of 95, when she rode with her daughter in a Mothers’ Day trail.[7]

She died in Florida at age 99.

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://www.thechainlink.org/page/phyllis-w-harmon-the-grande-dame-of-bicycling The Chain Link website
  2. https://www.wheelmen.com/chat_with_phyllis_harmon.asp Wheelmen official website
  3. Web site: Phyllis W. Harmon Obituary. Tampa Bay Times. Staff. 2016-08-31. 2016-08-31.
  4. https://www.wheelmen.com/harmon-hundred.asp Wheelmen official website
  5. https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/may-2016/centrury-training-plan/ Chicago Magazine website
  6. https://www.usbhof.org/inductee/phyllis-harmon/ U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame website
  7. https://www.thechainlink.org/page/phyllis-w-harmon-the-grande-dame-of-bicycling The Chain Link website