“MILE-A-MINUTE”
- Program
- Subject
- Location
- Lat/Long
- Grant Recipient
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NYS Historic
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Event, People, Site
- 376 New Hwy, Amityville, NY 11701, USA
- 40.716655, -73.405605
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Babylon Town Historical Society
“MILE-A-MINUTE”
Inscription
"MILE-A-MINUTE"CHARLES M. MURPHY RODE A MILE
ON A BICYCLE IN 57.8 SECONDS
BEHIND CUSTOM LIRR TRAIN, FROM
FORMER MAYWOOD STATION TOWARD
BABYLON, ON JUNE 30, 1899.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2023
On June 30, 1899, cyclist Charles M. Murphy (1870-1950) rode a mile on a bicycle in just under a minute behind a customized Long Island Railroad pacing train, from the former Maywood station toward Babylon on Long Island, NY. This stunt would earn him the nickname “Mile-a-Minute” Murphy, a moniker he would hold for the rest of his life.
The ride was arranged by the New York State Division of the League of American Wheelmen for entertainment as part of their annual meet. The Long Island Railroad train that Murphy rode behind was a newer engine drawing one car, which was fitted with paneling around the end to create a shield to protect him from the wind. The secretary of the American athletics union served as referee and multiple timekeepers watched from the back of the train car. Boards were laid between the rails to make a smooth riding surface for Murphy along the track.
Numerous newspapers reported on the spectacle, relaying that other than being briefly dazed and treated for some minor burns, Murphy walked away from the event relatively unscathed. Murphy went on to join the New York City Police Department and continued to ride bicycles, in addition to riding motorcycles and being an early airplane enthusiast. He passed away in 1950 at 79 years old.
