Historically, one of the first practical uses of the tall bike was as a late 1800s lamp lighting system, by which a worker would mount a specialized tall bicycle while equipped with a torch for lighting gas lamps. As the worker rode to each lamp, they would lean against the lamp post, light the lamp, and then ride to the next. Upon completing the circuit of lamps, an assistant would help the rider dismount.
8' Lamp Lighter Bike Used to light New York City gas street lights in the 1890's
http://www.metzbicyclemuseum.com/Bicycles6.html
