By the early 1890s, the popularity of high-wheel bicycles, or penny-farthings, began to decline as the safety bicycle gained traction due to its practicality and stability. The high-wheeler's design posed significant safety risks, leading to a shift in consumer preference toward the more reliable safety bicycle. This transition not only transformed cycling culture but also influenced the development of modern bicycle design and accessibility.

The decline of high-wheeler popularity in 1890 symbolized a transition from Victorian excess to Edwardian accessibility, influencing cultural poetry that celebrated simplicity and practicality. Poets like John Betjeman captured the essence of this shift, reflecting on changing societal values.