The 1890s was the heyday for the bicycle in the United States. By 1896, bicycle manufacturing was a major industry with 300 established firms. Interest in bicycling, or "wheeling" as it was known then, grew rapidly into a national craze during the latter part of the 19th century. In 1890, American manufacturers produced nearly 30,000 bicycles, and by 1899 that figure had grown to 1,200,000. As a result of the 19th century popularity of bicycles, 150,000 businessmen and governors from 17 states petitioned Congress for better roads. Bicycle manufacturing and mass production techniques also provided a foundation for the U.S. automotive industry. This article traces the history of bicycle manufacturing.