The Evolution of Bicycles Throughout History

1467 Words3 Pages

In 1817, the bicycle was introduced. It was clumsy, heavy, and dangerous. Throughout the last two centuries, modifications have made the bicycle easier to ride with inventions such as brakes, softer tires, and better maneuverability. The development of the modern day bicycle has led to increased environmental awareness, increased women’s civil rights, and permanently altered the public’s views on mass transportation.

The first bike was called the Draisienne that was invented by Baron Von Drais in 1817:

“…a walking machine that would help him get around the royal gardens faster: two same-size in-line wheels, the front one steerable, mounted in a frame which you straddled… The device was propelled by pushing your feet against the ground, thus rolling yourself and the device forward in a sort of gliding walk” (A Quick History 1).

This bike was entirely made out of wood where as modern-day bikes are made out of aluminum (1). The invention of the bike allowed people to get to places faster and easier than walking. With people liking the idea of the bikes more changes were made to the Draisenne, which eventually became the Velocipede.

“The next appearance of a two-wheeled riding machine was in 1865, when pedals were applied directly to the front wheel” (1). Velocipede means fast foot because for that time the bike was fast compared to walking (1). Overtime, the Velocipede became known as the Boneshaker. The wheels of the Boneshaker were made out of metal or wood so, “…when riding over cobblestone it literally shook your bones” (1). It was the most uncomfortable bike to ride so people thought it would become a fad. This was very true because the High-Wheeler got invented.

The High-Wheeler was a bicycle that had a huge front ...

... middle of paper ...

...ng Bicycling Museum. Web.13 March 2014.

Ben Ewen-Campen. The Modernizing Effect of the Bicycle. Swarthmore College Environmental Studies. Web. 18 March 2014.

“Bicycle History” The World Book Encyclopedia. B.2. Print.

Jeff Marion and Jeremy Wimpy. Environmental Impact of Mountain Biking: Science Review and Best Practices. IMBA. 2007. Web. 19 March 2014.

Joe Rubino. Cyclist Airlifted to Boulder Community Hospital After Lefthand Canyon Crash. The Daily Camera. 31 August 2013. Print

Petty D. Proffesor. Proffesor Bicycles Top Ten Social Impacts of the Bicycle.

Babson College, 21 December, 1999. Web. 11 March 2014.

Roni, Sarig. The Golden Age of Bicycles: Brief History about the Bicycle. Web.

12 March 2014.

S. 09-148, Brophy, Gibbs, Bacon, Boyd, Harvey, Heath, Kopp, Newell, Schwartz,

Shaffer B., Tapia, Romer, Williams; Cong. (2009) (enacted). Print.

More about The Evolution of Bicycles Throughout History

Open Document