From a press release:

MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM ADDS FOUR TO CLASS OF 2002

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced the addition of four members to its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2002:

Sylvester Roper — This motor-vehicle pioneer is credited with creating the first American motorcycle. His 1869 steam-powered bicycle preceded U.S.-made gasoline-powered machines.

Bessie Stringfield — In the 1940s, “The Motorcycle Queen of Miami” broke down barriers for women and African American motorcyclists at the same time, completing eight solo cross-country tours and serving as a U.S. Army motorcycle dispatch rider.

Adeline and Augusta Van Buren — These sisters’ 1916 cross-country ride proved to the U.S. military that women were fit to serve as dispatch riders. The Van Burens were the first women to make the transcontinental journey on two solo
motorcycles.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering.

The 16-member Class of 2002 will be inducted on October 19, during ceremonies at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio. The new inductees will join 269 others already enshrined in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the Museum’s lower level. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame features a plaque recognizing each inductee, along with related motorcycles, photos and memorabilia.

Any motorcycling enthusiast may submit a person to be considered for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame; complete biographical information should accompany the submission. Inductees are chosen by six committees consisting of Hall-of-Famers and independent experts in various disciplines.