Reading literature of the period, they were seen as revolutionary. Comparitively affordable, with very low maintenance (compared to horses), they allowed ordinary people to travel further than usual. The sports car of the (late) 19th century.

You can read editorials in small town newspapers deploring the invvention, which allows city-folk to invade their tranquil towns and wreak havoc, then ride off leaving the locals to clean up. Preachers deplored people who went bicycling on their day off (Sunday) instead of going to church.