25 jan 1968 bicycles & throwback thursday

#OTD Throwback Thursday focuses on bicycle riding circa 1968. In this gorgeous photograph, a cyclist takes a break from riding his bike to listen to a conversation between artists and Mayor-Commissioner Walter Washington. 

The artists are painting on the wall surrounding Lafayette Park across from the White House.  Lafayette Park was walled off during a months long restoration beginning in 1969. While providing a wonderful and unique canvas for these artists, the closing of the park prevented demonstrators and others from using the park for close to a year. 

Please comment below. Do you remember bicycle riding around the city in 1968? Do you have photos of you on your bicycle? Do you remember this mural? Were you one of the artists? You may comment privately here.

Photo source: DC Public Library Special Collections, 1969. Photographer unknown.
Roberta Hornig, "Lafayette Park 'Restoration' Work Starts," Washington Post 13 February 1969
Robert J. Lewis, "Lafayette Square Open, But Incomplete," Washington Post December 1969