Re: I know what it is. But when is the question
Silent Steeds of the Nineteenth Century
No, silent steed does not refer to early Wheelmen, but to their mounts.
The Tacoma cycling community in 1899 was far from silent. Early Tacoma Wheelmen were as active and vocal as today's club members in encouraging the building of suitable bicycle trails and paths. As reported in a July 16, 1899 article in the Daily Ledger, the Tacoma vicinity had 40 miles of "roadway suited to the silent steed of the nineteenth century." These paths were in "a condition favorable to the most delicate tire."
With 22 1/2 miles of paths in the city and an additional 14 miles of trails in the surrounding countryside, it was possible to ride in comfort from Point Defiance to Puyallup and American Lake.
Much of the credit for these paths belonged to Tacoma Wheelmen president John M. Bell, who was also a Tacoma city councilman for 12 years and a member of the Pierce County Good Roads League. Mr. Bell, along with other Wheelmen, lobbied for a bicycle license fee to pay for the construction of the paths. In 1899 licenses were issued to 4,100 cyclists. This was such a successful program Seattle, Portland, Victoria, Portland and Spokane soon adopted it.
Paths newly completed in 1899 went from S.23rd to S. 8th on J St., and from S. 11th to N. 11th on L St. These connected with a path on N. I St., which allowed "a seven mile run from Wright Park to Point Defiance, taking one through a fine residence part of the city and past the race track and the athletic grounds. Another seven mile run is afforded by the 'water ditch' path, which takes the rider out to Lake Spanaway, American Lake, the road to Olympia and the road to Steilacoom. The Tacoma Avenue and Pacific Avenue paths carry us through the business portion of the city south to the Puyallup road. Still another carries us up and out 8th St. from Tacoma Avenue to Pine St." The race track referred to was a horse racing track near N. 25th and Washington, near the present day site of the University of Puget Sound.
However, not all was well on the bicycle paths. Mr. Bell had a report that the condition of the Puyallup path was such that riders were "worked into a swearing mood by the incessant jarring of their nervous systems." It seems the entire path from the "Reservation school" to Puyallup was deeply rutted from cattle crossing it during the rainy season. Mr. Bell promised to call this situation to the attention of the county commissioners.
The article ends with an ominous note. "George M. Shreeder says Gormully and Jeffrey will have the automobile here next year. They will introduce them simultaneously into Tacoma, Seattle and Portland."
I love the bicycle license! Great find!!! 
