As in previous years, we encourage the submission of papers on any topic related to the social, industrial, technological, sports, sociological or transportation history of the bicycle, tricycle, or velocipede (unicycle, recumbent, HPV, etc!).

The aim of the Conference is to be eclectic, dynamic and scholarly. We would like to encourage participants to explore, research and document the history of the bicycle from many different cultural perspectives and many, varied technological and social points of view.

Proposals which are submitted will be reviewed and adjudicated by the organizing committee of the Conference. Proposals should consist initially of a one paragraph description or outline of the paper. Discussion of the appropriateness of a proposal is welcomed. A more detailed version of the paper will be requested later.

In the past, the usual format has been for the presentation of papers in a regular approximately 30 minute time slot. We are proposing a small change to this procedure for Davis 2005. Papers may be allotted either a longer or shorter slot (20 or 40 minutes?), depending on the interest and/or importance of the proposed topic and its relevance and significance. If the numbers of proposals is large, separate strands may emerge.

We are also proposing to hold one or two panels or round-table discussions where contributors who do not necessarily have enough material for a full paper, or who share a special interest in a particular topic, will have the chance to make brief presentations. These panels will be chaired and moderated.

Also, in contrast to previous years, we are proposing a number of subject areas or themes, which we suggest presenters consider when deciding on their choice of topic. We have defined these as follows:

1. The global reach of cycling in a historical perspective: European issues / Third World issues / cycling as essential transportation / African, Asian, South American perspectives.

2. American perspectives: Recent cycling history in the last 30 years / the expansion of the domestic American bicycle industry / the rise and history of the mountain bike / the history of “modern” cycling since the bike boom of the 1970s.

3. Californian perspectives: The westward expansion and California cycling history / aspects of cycling history in Northern California / the consumer and industry “boom” of the 1970s and after in California / mountain bike origins.

4. Cycling transportation history: the history of, and issues relating, to practical/commuting cycling on a global scale/alternative bicycle modes (motorized, recumbent, HPV, etc) / transportation planning.

5. The Miller collection: a significant and relatively unexamined collection which is in the possession of the University of California, Davis. This collection of over sixty machines, most dating from pre-1900, once displayed in a private “roadside” transportation museum in rural central California, was purchased by the University in 2000. The original exhibitor, Pierce Miller, a wealthy rancher, acquired the bicycles from Walter Nilsson, a vaudeville performer, trick cyclist and record-setting unicyclist who acquired the machines while he toured Europe and the United States. A seminar will concentrate on the character and significance of the collection, as well as overlapping with #6 below.

6. Museum / collections / restoration seminar: since conservation and collections issues are of interest to many attendees, and the ICHC is one of the few venues where such issues can be discussed, we are encouraging proposals for papers on these questions, which may be included either in a panel or in a separate strand if sufficient proposals are received.

Submission of short synopsis: 1 April 2005

Submission of an extended version of the proposed text with details of source or research material:
1 July 2005

To potential contributors – Please do not hesitate to inquire as to the suitability and/or desirability of any ideas you may have for a paper. Most ideas develop better through interchange and discussion.

Visual aids – We will have facilities for slides, overheads and for Powerpoint presentations. We suggest that all these three presentation methods are quite capable of communicating illustration material, and would encourage presenters to use the method with which they are most comfortable.

How to submit

Electronic (i.e. e-mail) submissions are preferred; however, printed copy can also be accepted. Please send your submissions, questions or comments to me at the following addresses or numbers. I will forward them to the review committee.