History of the Bicycle

History of the Bicycle

Introduction People started building bicycles in the 1800s. Since then, bicycles have grown more and more popular. Today, more than one billion people around the world ride bicycles. The design of bicycles has changed over time. However, one thing stays the same: two wheels and a lot of fun!

Early Bicycles Karl Drais built the first bicycle in 1817. He called his invention the running machine. The frame and wheels of this early bike were made of wood. It had no pedals. Instead, the rider pushed the machine along with his or her feet.

In the years following, inventors made many changes to the bicycle. Around 1840, the first pedals were added to the bike. The pedals turned the rear wheel with cranks attached to long rods. Pedals allowed the rider's feet to remain off the ground as he or she rode.

During the 1860s, two French inventors made pedals that turned the front wheel of the bicycle. Their new bike had a heavy iron frame and tires made of iron or wood.

The Ordinary Built in 1871, the ordinary had a tall wheel in front and a small wheel in back. The rider sat on a seat above the high front wheel.