Introduction
Arthur August Zimmerman was the third child born to Theodore and Anna Zimmerman in Camden's Central Ward on June 11, 1870. Theodore Zimmerman was employed as a U.S. Postal Agent in Camden. By 1880 the family had moved to Wall Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, where Theodore Zimmerman operated a hotel.
Long before Lance Armstrong was born, Arthur Zimmerman dominated the sport of cycling as no man ever had previously. Between 1889 and 1905 he rode as both an amateur and professional bicycle racer. At his peak he was without question the world's champion in that sport. He won 1,400 races during his career and at one time or another set the world record in every cycling distance from one-quarter to 10 miles.
Known to his fans as “Zimmy,” Arthur A. Zimmerman had moved to Freehold, New Jersey in the 1880s. He had been a law student, but gave that career up for cycling. In Freehold he started racing as an amateur in 1889. In those days racers used the high wheel bike. Arthur Zimmerman rode competitively in Europe and the United States. His dominance of competitive cycling in 1892, when he started 100 races, winning 75, coming in second in 10 races, and third in five, ensured his world wide fame. Zimmerman was the first American named as World Champion Amateur cyclist when he won both the one mile and ten mile events in Chicago, Illinois in 1893.
David Metz, who operates the Metz Bicycle Museum at 54 W. Main St. in Freehold, said “Arthur Zimmerman was the world's first bicycle racing champion in the 1880s. When he retired in 1895, he opened the Arthur A. Zimmerman Cycle Co. on Elm Street in Freehold. From 1895 to 1900 he manufactured several models of the 'Zimmy' bicycle, including the one I have on display.”
Arthur A. Zimmerman settled in Asbury Park, New Jersey around 1916. He passed away in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, October 21, 1936 while visiting his daughter.
Today the Century Road Association sponsors a race in New York where the Lou Maltese Memorial & Arthur Zimmerman Cup are awarded.
Champion Bicyclist of the World
Boston Sunday Globe —
The Boston Sunday Globe Art Supplement, October 20, 1895 — Arthur A. Zimmerman, Champion Bicyclist of the World. An illustrated paper doll cutout featuring Zimmerman on his racing bicycle.
1896 Zimmy Bicycle
1896 Zimmy bicycle on display at the Metz Bicycle Museum, Freehold, New Jersey.
A. A. Zimmerman, Bike Champ, Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
A. A. ZIMMERMAN, BIKE CHAMP, DIES
Camden Native, Known as 'Zimmie' Won More Than 1400 Races
Word was received here yesterday of the death in Atlanta, Ga., Wednesday of Arthur A. Zimmerman, former world's champion bicycle rider. He was born in Camden, June 11, 1870. He had lived at 1106 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park, for more than 20 years.
He was in Atlanta with his wife on a visit.
Familiarly known to sports followers throughout the world as “Zimmie,” he raced first as an amateur and later as a professional during the years from 1889 to 1905. He won more than 1400 races during his career in addition to establishing world's records in all cycling distances from one-quarter to 10 miles.
In 1892, riding in England, he started in 100 races; finished first in 75; second in 10 and third in five races. The same year he broke the 2000 and 3000 meter records in Germany.
Mr. Zimmerman started to study law as a young man. He soon decided against it, however, when he won his first bicycle race at the old driving park in Freehold, during the days of high-wheelers.
His widow, a daughter, Mrs. Ella Toll, of Atlanta, and a sister, Mrs. Joseph McDermott, of Freehold, survive.