Marta Pawlina-Meducka (Kielce) Kielce Cyclists (1892–1906) The beginnings of cycling in the Kingdom of Poland date back to the middle of the 19th century, although the prototype of a modern bicycle was made as early as in 1817. The first larger group of organized cyclists was seen in Kielce in the 1870s but it was only in 1892 that the Kielce cyclists were accepted into the Warsaw Cyclists Association. They were mainly merchants, entrepreneurs, civil servants, doctors and lawyers. The group quickly attracted sympathizers. It organized cycling races, prepared cycle routes and held cycling competitions. At the same time, the group created a framework for community life organizing annual traditional May Day festivities. In 1895, when the group comprised 50 members, the Kielce Cyclists Association was registered. Since then, still headed by M. Żelichowski, they operated on their own account according to their own program of events. They used to start their season with a carnival ball. Every year they organized May day festivities in the districts of Słowik and Białogon. Cycling races of varied difficulty were the most important events organized by the association. At times, just like in 1896, the Association would also co-organize large regional races Warsaw – Kielce – Warsaw involving dozens of participating cyclists. The golden period of the Kielce Cyclists Association started in 1897. The number of its members increased to almost 200 which positively influenced financial condition of the Association. Consequently, the Association organized more open-air events contributing to integration with local community and made some investment plans. In 1898, on a leased site situated close to a railway station the Association opened an ice rink and a year later a multi-function racing track. At the same time, the Association elected a new management board (comprising Erazm Rózycki junior and Wacław Hoenigman) and purchased new premises which satisfied all cultural and social needs of Kielce inhabitants. Since 1901 a certain fatigue in the Association’s activities could be observed. Undoubtedly, it was caused by many reasons. The Association ceased to be attractive, it had no new members due to the appearance of the car attracting more people and the Association’s members dropped into routine. It tried to focus on Kielce inhabitants outside the Association inviting them to join in various projects without becoming formal members, however, social events and cycling races were not as popular as before. In the middle of 1906, the Kielce Cyclists Association’s assets and liabilities were taken over by a newly- established Kielce Social Club. Key words: Kielce Cyclists Association, Kielce, cycling races