The IISOH plans to develop a comprehensive collection of literature on the sport of Cycling and the history of bicycles. Our goal is to be the most comprehensive source for historical research and will seek to have every book ever printed on the subject in every language of the world. There is a lot, especially in English and French. The Museum plans to have a collection of historical bicycles as well as other memorabilia. There are a large number of posters from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that advertised bicycles and we seek to acquire every one. The sports campus will also have a bicycle trail and related facilities so that visitors may borrow a bike, or bring their own, and participate in a variety of bicycle activities. Cycling is one of the sports included in the Modern Olympic Games.
In many parts of the world the bicycle is the primary form of transportation. It is estimated that 100 million bicycles are built every year worldwide. Little kids ride tricycles, with three wheels, while adults use touring bikes mostly. In the USA mountain bikes are popular and among the serious riders a racing bike is essential and very expensive. The IISOH Museum plans to develop a collection of historical bicycles as well as modern bicycles. Because the IISOH has multiple missions the development of safety features for riders and the safer design of bicycles is on the agenda. The Museum includes the sports complex and there will be a cycling path as well as a variety of different bicycles for visitors to use on the property. Educating the public on the history of the bicycle is part of the mission. Promoting the present and future use of the bicycle in a safe manner also part of the educational mission.
The IISOH Cycling Project will be funded through the interest earned from endowments as well as direct donations to support the Project. Endowments can be created with a minimum of $1,000,000 that gives the donor lifetime naming rights. The endowments will provide funding for acquisitions for the Cycling collection in the Library and the Museum as well as for salaries and benefits for the staff of the Cycling Project.