The History of the First Bicycle to the Bicycle of Today

When the first bicycle was built, because of no handle to steer with it would only go in one direction which was straight. Since there were no pedals, the feet were used to ride by pushing it a long. Wood was used to make it. Monsieur Sivrac built the first bicycle, even though Leonardo da Vinci was the person to do the first design. The next bike to be produced in 1817, which was called a Hobby Horse and Draisienne but this one you could steer. The next bicycle that was designed in1839 had pedals that turned the wheel as the pedals were pushed back and forth. Next the Velocipede came out in early 1860s and was made by Pierre Lallement, a Frenchman. The pedals were on the front wheel which was larger than the back that was pulled along with both wheels made of steel. The next to be produced had high wheels which were much liked in the 1800s. It was built in 1871 and actually was the first to be named the bicycle; it was made of a stronger metal. It rode smoother having a large and small wheel, but was actually dangerous if it was to run over something small. Later in the 1880s, a three wheel tricycle was built for the ladies; this was safer having one wheel in the front and the other two in the back. The wheels were switched on the high bike so that it would be safer, after which was named the Safety Bicycle. Later, with strong metal, the safety bike was improved by placing a chain and sprocket strong yet light so that a person would be able to ride it. Later looking for some comfort the pneumatic tire was created and used on the safety bike.

The adults started riding in the cars that were introduced in the early 1920s, since the bikes needed to be bought the first children's bicycle was invented. For the smaller children there was the tricycle and of course for larger ones the bikes were made in a couple other sizes. Also in 1950s through the 1970s was the three (3) speed, also the ten (10) speed, although in 1925 Henry Ford purchased a bicycle, it was a racing bike with 10 speeds that was named the BSA Racing Bicycle. Even though the bicycle has been much the same for hundreds of years, in the 1980s the first sold by mass production was the Mountain Bike. As time has passed there have been still more changes.

But adults and children are still riding these people powered machines; there are cyclist's leagues all over the country. Some ride to lobby for the improvement, even the paving of the highways for the automobiles to travel. There are other leagues that ride for other reasons, not all are out there riding just for leisure. In fact in 1880 the first bicycle club was formed, it was called (LAW) "The League of American Wheelman" They rode for the driving rules and building of highways.

Today there is a Museum named, "The Pedaling History Bicycle Museum" it is the largest Bicycle Museum in the USA. Also it has 95 % of American Bikes. This museum is located in Orchard, New York. There are bicycles on display as far back as the1800s to the modern bicycle.