As with so many other
inventions of theirs, the ancient
Egyptians may have actually invented the first idea of the bicycle.
Archaeology also documents that frescoes found in the ruins of Pompeii, in
Italy, portray figures sitting on a “stick connecting two wheels”. An
English church, built in the seventeenth century shows a two wheeler of
sorts in one of its stained glass windows. Too, a Frenchman in 1690 is
said to have devised a two-wheeled machine that was steered by the feet of
its rider, as he sat on its wooden horse-shaped body. In addition, a
number of similar inventions appeared during the 1700’s, one of the
memorable ones being called the “velocipede” in 1779.
However, the idea of
riding by means of pedaling finally met its full development in the
Victorian Era. (the nineteenth century). Real progress concerning a
practical vehicle was accomplished in 1816. It was in that year that the
“father of the bicycle”, German born Baron Karl von Drais, invented
the “draisine” or “dandy horse” as it was called. History tells us
that he actually used the machine successfully in his daily life. It is
noteworthy that this invention had a front wheel that pivoted and there
was a handlebar for steering. The Baron introduced it to England, where it
became “the thing to have”of the day! The “dandy horse” became a
fad in the United States by 1819,and its interest lasted only for a short
time. This was because in about 1840, a Mr. MacMillan in Great Britain
improved on Baron von Drais idea by putting cranks on the rear wheel axle,
which connected it to the pedals by driving rods and it became popular.
Made in 1865, the
two-wheeled riding machine made entirely of wood was the first to have
pedals applied directly to the front wheel. Designed and named by a
Frenchman, Lallement, it became the first real “bicycle”. Later, this
model was given iron tires and, because it was ridden on the cobblestone
roads of the day, it was aptly named “the boneshaker”. It started a
sports fad of indoor riding similar to that of roller rinks. These schools
or “academies” for riding, as they were called, sprang up in all of
the large cities here and abroad.
By 1870, ingenious
high wheel models, such as the first all metal bicycle appeared with solid
rubber tires and long spokes. One of the bicycles of that period was
called “the Ordinary”. Gradually, its front wheel was enlarged for a
smoother ride,
and the rear wheel reduced for speed. It eventually had a 40-48 inch front
wheel for farther travel and a 16-inch rear wheel! One high wheeler even
had a front wheel of 64 inches! The phrase, “taking a header” was
coined when the rider was stumbled by a sudden necessity to stop, and fell
forward to the ground landing on his head! But this risk didn’t stop
anyone! Even the women in their long dresses and tight corsets wanted to
“get in on the fun”. They were riding around on another invention, the
high wheel adult tricycle! This mechanical version also became popular
with the more dignified gents who were doctors and clergymen.
By the 1880’s, the
“two wheeler” (bicycle) was tremendously popular, especially with the
younger men who had the money to pay for it. A bicycle could cost as much
as $150 (about six month’s pay) at that time.
In 1878, the
“Columbia” an American bicycle appeared on the market; and in 1889, an
Irishman named Dunlop patented his bicycle, which had tires made from a
rubber hose. Likewise, Tillinghast patented the bicycle with a hollow
tire. This introduction with an air-filled (pneumatic) tire made riding
very enjoyable.
In the 80’s and
90’s everyone rode, and the “bicycle built for
two” (and four)
arrived. With everyone riding, safety became a primary factor, and many
mechanical innovations such as rack and pinion steering, band brakes, the
differential and steel tube frames and wheels came into being. Speed was
the secondary factor. The Gay Nineties were said to be gay with the
“scorchers” who burned up the roads at 15 or 20 miles an hour. But it
was a practical investment for men and women as a means of transportation
and saving time. It surely beat the “two-legged shuffle”! Not to
mention, how it helped to emancipate women. This newfound craze put an end
to the corset and bustle once and for all yet, interestingly, the
“bicycle” is still with us! And, ladies, aren’t we glad!
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