When Was The Bicycle Invented?

Early History of the Bicycle

The story of how the bicycle came to be is a long and winding one, with many different inventors contributing to its final form. The earliest known bicycle-like machine was the célérifère, invented by the French inventor Baron Karl von Drais in 1817. This machine had two wheels and a frame, but it was not self-propelled and had to be pushed along with the feet.

In 1839, the Scottish blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals to the célérifère, creating the first true bicycle. Macmillan's machine was called the "velocipede," and it was an instant success. However, the velocipede was not without its drawbacks. It was difficult to steer and it was not very comfortable to ride.

The High-Wheeler Era

In the 1860s, a new type of bicycle was developed called the penny-farthing. The penny-farthing had a large front wheel and a small rear wheel, and it was much faster than the velocipede. However, the penny-farthing was also very dangerous, and it was not uncommon for riders to fall off and injure themselves.

In 1885, the first safety bicycle was invented by John Kemp Starley. The safety bicycle had a chain-driven rear wheel and it was much more stable than the penny-farthing. The safety bicycle quickly became the most popular type of bicycle, and it is the type of bicycle that we are most familiar with today.

Modern Bicycles

The bicycle has continued to evolve over the years, and modern bicycles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There are bicycles for racing, mountain biking, touring, and commuting. There are also bicycles that are designed for children, people with disabilities, and people who want to ride in style.

The bicycle is a versatile and efficient mode of transportation that can be used for recreation, commuting, and exercise. It is also a relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to get around. As a result, the bicycle has become one of the most popular vehicles in the world.

Conclusion

The bicycle has come a long way since its humble beginnings as the célérifère. Today, the bicycle is a popular and versatile mode of transportation that is used by people all over the world.

When Was The Bicycle Invented