Do Amish people ride bicycles?

amish ride bicyclesDo the Amish ride bikes? The answer is: “it depends”. Like with other technologies, different groups have different rules when it comes to bicycles. The bicycle is common among Amish in some communities, particularly in the Midwest. These communities include:

  • Holmes County, Ohio
  • The Shipshewana & Nappanee areas in Indiana
  • Arthur, Illinois
  • Jamesport, Missouri

…among others. In these communities Amish may ride bikes to work, to visit family, or for pleasure.

Amish man riding a bicycle on blacktop road
An Amishman cycles through the Nappanee, Indiana community

Other communities do not permit bicycles, however. This can be due largely to tradition, or a belief that bicycles are too worldly. In these cases, Amish typically use the scooter instead. Amish communities which use scooters include”

  • Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
  • Dover, Delaware
  • Allen County, Indiana
  • Geauga County, Ohio

Besides the bike and scooter, Amish people travel by a variety of other means – including rollerblades, pony carts, hired car, and of course, buggies.

For more, see:

Photo credit: Derk Stenvers

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    One Comment

    1. SharonR

      Amish riding Bicycles

      It would seem in some communities they do allow them; In Pinecraft, FL, the Amish/Mennonite (?) ride the 3-wheel bikes, and they do quite well, maneuvering through the traffic, of busy Sarasota, FL. Good mode of transportation and economical, as well as non-motorized!
      SharonR