S3E13 | Summertime Rides: Bikes, Big Wheels, and Beyond

From Big Wheels to Power Wheels, tricycles to bicycles, getting your own set of wheels was a right of passage in childhood. Your new rims opened up a world of possibilities and autonomous freedom, rolling down the street to meet up with “the gang” in the woods, at a field, or at a friend’s house - a pile of bikes already strewn across the front yard. Ride back with us to the 1980s to explore the origins of some of the most popular children’s summer rides, and how these helped sculpt the summer culture of the most radically-rolling decade in history.

Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast. Write an 80's inspired note when you do, and we'll share it on the show!

 

-- Can I Borrow Your Notes? -- 

• Who Invented the Greatest Toy in History?! (AKA Big Wheel)
• History on the Development of Electric Ride-On Toys
• Learn the Power Wheels Story
• The Benefits of Outdoor Play: Why It Matters
• Our Children Spend Half as Much Time Playing Outside as We Did in the 80s
• 50 things to do before you're 11¾
• Last Child in the Woods

 

-- Teacher's Pets -- 

• Join the Class of 80's High: 80shighpodcast@gmail.com
• Follow on Instagram: @80shighpodcast
• Theme song by Greg Reed, with vocals by Chad Bumford
• Cover art by Alex Goddard at alexgoddarddesign.com