The modern bicycle traces its lineage back to the early 19th century. Baron Karl von Drais invented a two wheeled tandem vehicle, known as the Draisienne. The Baron’s invention possessed the familiar tandem wheels, but it lacked pedals. Like a skateboard or scooter, riders propelled the bike using their feet. The invention proved little more than an interesting curiosity.
Pedal Power
In the 1860s, Pierre Michaux and Pierre Lallement added leg-powered pedals to directly drive the bicycle’s front wheel. Their design, known as a velocipede, featured a slightly enlarged front wheel. With solid tires and no springs early bicycles were particularly uncomfortable. Thanks to their jarring ride, the term ‘boneshaker’ entered the English language.
The introduction of spoked wheels and rubber tires bettered the ride, but bicycles remained difficult to control. The next round of innovations addressed many of those concerns. Moving the seat back made balancing easier but steering and powering the vehicle via the front wheel remained an issue. Englishman J.K. Starley solved this problem using a chain drive to connect the pedal to the rear wheel. This design was so successful that it was known as the ‘safety bicycle.’ Starley’s 1885 Rover marked the birth of the modern bicycle.
Continued Innovation
The addition of pneumatic tires, coaster brakes, hand brakes, and Derailleur gears continued to improve the bicycle. Many principles of early biking innovation spilled over into the auto, motorcycle, and airplane sectors. While the Wright brothers dabbled in many areas, their work with bicycles is what convinced them that controllable powered flight was possible.
Today
Short of videos, few of us have any recollection of our first steps. Many can remember the exhilaration and freedom gained from mastering the balance of a bicycle. By most estimates there are more than a billion bicycles in the world. These bikes serve millions of commuters, delivery people, and recreational riders every day.
Today’s map highlights the biking trails of Europe courtesy of Reddit (from multiple sources)
In addition to the densest bike trail network, the Dutch also have more than 1.2 bicycles per resident.
As always thanks for reading.
Armen
Note to Pay the Bills: None of the books in either of my series feature bicycles. However, the Misaligned series does mix theoretical physics and Welsh mythology. If that interests you, you can learn more by reading a summary of the series here or find links to purchase books here.
Additionally, consider signing up for my FREE newsletter. It will contain previews, announcements, and contests related to my novels. It will not overwhelm your inbox – I’m thinking once a month or less depending on news.