Why did bicycles become less popular among American adults during the 1920s?

During the 1920s, the popularity of the bicycle among American adults declined significantly as the automobile became increasingly accessible and affordable.12

As the automotive industry—led by manufacturers like Henry Ford—successfully transformed the car from a luxury item into a necessity, it became the primary mode of personal transportation for many Americans. By the mid-1920s, this shift in the American economy and culture relegated the bicycle largely to those who were too young or too poor to drive. Consequently, American bicycle manufacturers began styling their products to appeal specifically to children, often designing them to resemble motorcycles. While the rise of the automobile is often cited as the primary factor, the earlier decline of the bicycle boom in the late 19th century was also influenced by the growth of mass transit systems, such as streetcars, which offered a more convenient alternative to cycling, particularly during inclement weather.213