Who Invented the Bicycle?

The very first bicycle was invented by Pierre Michaux. It was affectionately known as the boneshaker. Many versions of the bicycle were released since its invention. Each successive release added a new feature or changed the design.

The very first version had two large wheels with pedals attached to the front wheel. The rider placed their feet on the pedals and rotated the pedals around the hub of the wheel to propel the bicycle. The two wheels consisted of one of a larger diameter and another of a smaller diameter. The two diameters of the wheels were fairly close to each other. Another early model used a very small rear wheel and a very large front wheel. The pedals were still attached to the front wheel.

The modern bicycle follows the same principles as the first bike, but it uses the rear wheel to propel the bicycle. The center of the small wheel is connected to opposing pedals by a chain. The chain fits onto the cogs that are on the gear on the center of the rear wheel and on the rotating larger gear attached to the pedals. As you rotate the pedals, it pulls the chain over the gear on the wheel in the back and propels the bicycle forward.

Development

As the invention began to attract widespread interest, other inventors developed the drive mechanism into a chain driven system that used a chain attached to the rear wheel. More gears were added to the rear wheel and a mechanical device added that would shift the chain from one gear to the next. This allowed the bicycle to go faster and made it easier to pedal uphill. This was the birth of the 5-speed bicycle.

Uses

In many parts of the world, people use bicycles as the predominate form of travel. Some countries even prohibit the use of automobiles because of pollution problems. There are many more bicycles on the roads of the world than there are automobiles.

People in China and Japan use bicycles as commuter vehicles to get to work. They are also handy for running to the store, although they don’t have much storage space.

Cycling

An entire sport is also dedicated to the bicycle. Cycling has driven the development of the bicycle and made it into a science. The racer is always searching for a lighter and stronger frame for their bicycle. The theory is that the lighter you can make the frame, the faster you will be able to propel the bicycle. Quick attachment and release of the wheels is another of the enhancements that have developed in the area of bicycles.

Commuting

In major cities, there is also a whole industry that has developed around the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation. Couriers traveling between buildings in major cities have the ability to weave in and out of traffic to cut down the time of delivery on a package. Some businesses rely on fast timing to make deals and shaving a few minutes off can be the difference between making the deal or not.