The History of Bicycles
Bicycles
have a fairly varied history. They've been around for almost two hundred years
now, and they have evolved significantly during that time. The first bicycles
were built completely different and were not nearly as comfortable as now. In
the below timeline, I have picked out what I thought to be the biggest, most
interesting aspects of the bicycle's history to give you some idea of what
they've been, so you can be properly amazed by what they are now.
·
1817—Draisienne or the "Running Machine": Invented by
Barn Karl von Drais, Germany; This machine was less like a bicycle, in the
modern sense of the word. It did have a typical bicycle frame and two wheels,
but it was propelled by walking (apparently the bicycle allowed more of a
gliding walk), as opposed to peddling.
·
1860s—Velocipede or Boneshaker: Two-wheeled bicycle with pedals
and cranks on the front wheel. It was known as the bone shaker because the
combination of a wood frame and metal tires made for a very uncomfortable ride
over cobblestone streets.
·
1870s—High-wheeled bicycle: One of the first models to be called a
"bicycle" (after its two wheels). The high wheel allowed the rider to
travel farther with a single rotation of the pedals. Moreover, a metal frame
and rubber tires provided a more comfortable ride than the boneshaker.

·
1888—Pneumatic tires: Invented by John Boyd Dunlop, Ireland;
Develops air-filled tires that provide a smoother ride than the previously used
hard-rubber tires.
·
1920s—Kid's bicycles become popular.
·
1940s—Built-in kickstands developed.
·
1960s—Racing bicycles become popular and feature dropped
handlebars, narrow tires, numerous speeds and a lighter frame.
·
1980—Spurred by mountain biking and extreme sports, mountain
bicycles become a popular consumer item and feature sturdier frames, larger
wheels and flat handlebars.
·
1996—Mountain bicycles appear in the Olympics.
Bicycle Safety Tips
Avoid Busy Streets:-Although
bicyclists have the right of way, motorists aren't always used to watching out
for you. Avoid this problem altogether by getting off those big streets and
finding routes that go through neighborhoods and smaller streets. Try getting
it down to only crossing busy streets, not traveling on them.
Light Up:-Always use bicycle
lights at night. They are one of the simplest, most inexpensive things to equip
your bicycle with, so don't skimp on this one. Headlights AND rear lights are
important to make sure cars notice you.
When Appropriate,
Take Up the Whole Lane:-Most times it is
appropriate to take up a lane of traffic or ride farther in toward the middle.
This way cars are more likely to notice you, and it prevents cars from passing
near you too closely. In most states, it is legal to ride in the lane with traffic,
and if you're worried about a line of cars building behind you, perhaps you
should look for a less busy street.
Ride as if You Are
Invisible]:-Don't try to be
invisible, but if you ride as if you are invisible, you are more likely to
catch mistakes from motorists because you are prepared for their reactions. Basically,
you are riding in a way that stays out of their way and makes it irrelevant
whether they see you or not.

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