Cycling and trumpets

When the bicycle had its breakthrough at the end of the 19th century, cycling clubs were founded all over Flanders. On Sundays, people cycled from village to village. Inevitably, accidents happened. To increase safety, laws were enacted. For example, cyclists and motorists had to honk (sound a horn) at street corners. The cycling clubs could think of nothing better than to have a bugler ride in front. Over time, there were several. About 60 clubs had their own trumpet corps and gathered and met in inns, and often the brewer was also a member of the club. The bicycle brass bands played an important role in social life and campaigned for better roads, the construction of cycle paths, and the reduction and eventual abolition of the bicycle tax. This lecture is brought to us by Geert Vanmaeckelberge.