Arthur A. Zimmerman


Arthur August Zimmerman, born on June 11, 1870, was the third child of Theodore and Anna Zimmerman in Camden’s Central Ward. Theodore Zimmerman, a U.S. Postal Agent in Camden, later moved the family to Wall Township in Monmouth County, NJ, around 1880, where he ventured into hotel management.

Long before the era of Lance Armstrong, Arthur Zimmerman made an indelible mark on cycling, dominating the sport like no other between 1889 and 1905. Competing as both an amateur and professional bicycle racer, he rose to become the undisputed world champion. Zimmerman, affectionately known as “Zimmy” to his fans, amassed an impressive record of 1400 victories during his cycling career, setting world records in distances ranging from one-quarter to 10 miles.

Born and raised in Freehold, NJ, in the 1880s, Arthur A. Zimmerman initially pursued a law career but ultimately abandoned it for cycling. He started his racing journey as an amateur in 1889, navigating the tracks on the high wheel bike. Zimmerman’s prowess extended beyond American soil, as he competed actively in Europe and the United States. In 1892, his remarkable performance –participating in 100 races, securing victory in 75, finishing second in 10, and claiming third place in five — cemented his global renown. Zimmerman became the inaugural American World Champion Amateur cyclist, triumphing in both the one-mile and ten-mile events in Chicago, Illinois, in 1893.

After retiring from competitive racing in 1895, Zimmerman transitioned to entrepreneurship, establishing the Arthur A. Zimmerman Cycle Co. on Elm Street in Freehold. From 1895 to 1900, his company manufactured various models of the renowned ‘Zimmy’ bicycle.

Around 1916, Arthur A. Zimmerman made Asbury Park, NJ, his home and eventually passed away on October 21, 1936, in Atlanta, GA, during a visit to his daughter.

To honor Zimmerman’s legacy, the Century Road Association currently sponsors a race in New York, presenting the Lou Maltese Memorial & Arthur Zimmerman Cup to the deserving participants.


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  • Arthur A. Zimmerman

    Arthur A. Zimmerman

    Arthur August Zimmerman, born on June 11, 1870, was the third child of Theodore and Anna Zimmerman in Camden’s Central Ward. Theodore Zimmerman, a U.S. Postal Agent in Camden, later moved the family to Wall Township in Monmouth County, NJ, around 1880, where he ventured into hotel management. Long before the era of Lance Armstrong,…

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