Some Facts and History About Bicycles

Although the bicycle can not be traced to one person or a specific date of invention it was first introduced in Europe in the nineteenth century. It quickly became used as the sole transportation in many countries.

The first bicycles were called velocipedes. They had no pedals, the number and placement of wheels varied, and they were "driven" by simply walking while you were seated.

Ernest Michaux and Pierre Lallement designed what was known as the "Boneshaker" in the 1850's and 1860's. The "Boneshaker" was a steel frame with wooden wheels and iron tires; it also featured pedals on the larger front wheel. Lallement received a patent in 1866 in America for the design.

In 1870 James Starley changed the design and incorporated a larger front wheel for more speed and changed the position of the seat for easier pushing of the pedals. He, along with others, then went on to invent gears, chains, and rear wheel drive for the bicycle for easier steering and maneuverability.

In 1888 the pneumatic tire was introduced, followed by the freewheel, coaster brakes, Derailleur gears and cable pull brakes, though not accepted and used as fast as earlier inventions.

The popular Raleigh bicycle company was established in Nottingham in the 1890's by Frank Bowden and Ignaz Schwinn. Schwinn soon made his way to America and established his own company in 1895. This allowed for the use of bicycles around the globe to become the means of transportation.

The use of bicycles declined when motorized vehicles were invented, became affordable to purchase, and made the use of bicycles a more dangerous mode of travel. Lots of country's still used the bicycle as the main means of travel though and new designs spawned with the ever-changing needs of occupations.

Bicycles picked up sales when people became more aware of their psychical fitness and the need for environmental cleanliness. Bicycle racing also contributed to sales when it became a popular sport. Modernization further helped the sale of bicycles with the development of the 10-speed in the 1970's, the 12-speed and the mountain bike in the 1980's, and today the 18-speed bicycle.

There are many options when it comes to bicycles today, depending on your needs and even more on the desired accessories. Many countries still widely use the bicycle for recreation, transportation, and for occupational needs. Bicycle use will continue to grow as health and environmental awareness, laws to make bicycle travel safer, and further development to the bicycle increase.