Understanding the Evolution of Bicycles

August 13, 2010 by ronaldpedactor09

This form of transportation, powered by the driver and the use of chains and pedals, has become a worldwide form of transportation. In countries where population is high, people choose to reach their destinations by bike, instead of dealing with traffic and accidents.

They are a low cost alternative to more high-tech transportation, like automobiles. They are also easier to bring with you from place to place and need less space to be stored.

The first chain-driven bicycle was developed in the year 1885 and was called a velocipede. These had wheels of different sizes, depending on whether the front or back wheel was larger and taller.

Because of how the velocipede was developed, the rider was usually situated fairly high off of the ground. Some of them were even designed to look like a single person cart with two wheels and a set of handlebars.

When the bicycle was developed, it had an immense impact on nineteenth century society. It became an easier way for a single person to travel, as opposed to walking or taking a horse and carriage.

It also was the precursor to the invention of the automobile, for some of the components of the modern day vehicle were modeled after ideas developed to assist with the movement of a bicycle. It was also a new form of recreation that people of the time had never experienced before.

After the creation of the velocipede came the penny-farthing, or ordinary bicycle. These were created with a massive and tall wheel toward the front of the contraption and one very small wheel in the back.

Designed by the French, the seat for the penny-farthing was situated at least a couple of feet off the ground. These bikes were used more for style and prestige, for the poor weight distribution and size of the wheels made them too difficult to ride for very long.

Along with the 1890's came the "Golden Age of Bicycles." Designers discovered how to make the bicycle more practical and sturdy.

Before this time, most wheels were made of wood or metal and did not allow the rider to go very quickly. However, the Golden Age brought the pneumatic tire, the same basic idea used today.

Bicycles made up one of two main forms of transportation prior to the automobile. They made it possible for single riders to get from place to place without the use of animals to carry them.

They evolved slightly throughout the beginning of the twentieth century, but the biggest bicycle boom since their creation occurred in the 1950's. The style used most during this time was the cruiser, built for durability, low price, and sturdiness.

Since that time, ideas for design and different styles of bikes have greatly increased. Today, you have the option of riding one for recreation, entertainment, or to exercise.

One of the most popular bicycle types in use today and created only within the past few decades is a style that, in fact, does not really take you anywhere. Exercise bikes, stationary machines used for exercise, are a popular alternative to the mobile version.

Some people do not prefer to travel by bicycle, but would love to get the cardiovascular exercise that comes from riding one on a daily basis. Exercise bikes give individuals the option of a good workout without having to take the time to go outdoors.

They are also a good alternative for business people or those with busy schedules that enjoy recreating on bikes, but do not have time to plan a route and go for a ride. Another form of transportation that may not be available without the invention of the bicycle is motorcycles.

Though they are technically considered a vehicle, the concept of the motorcycle was designed after the original form of transportation. They offer people the option of having a personal way to get around, without using a lot of fuel or taking up a great deal of space.

Without the invention of bicycles, our modern world would be very different. They were the catalyst for all types of mobile transportation and gave humans the desire to travel distances more comfortably and in a shorter span of time.

The bicycle is the basic makeup of many different types of wheeled inventions. It is safe to say that the idea will keep evolving into other forms of transportation and new types of recreation.