Bicycle

In 1418, Giovanni Fontana, an Italian physician and engineer from the fifteenth century, is recognized for constructing the initial human-powered land vehicle.

In 1974, sketches of a primitive version of a bicycle were claimed to be drawn by Leonardo da Vinci. However, experts later debunked this claim, stating that further examination revealed the sketches were not created by da Vinci.

In 1732, a pedal-powered tricycle called '陸舟奔車 (Rikushu-honsha)' was described in Japan. However, practical use of bicycles in Japan did not occur until modern bicycles were imported from Europe.

The Celerifere, also known as Velocifere, was invented by Frenchman Comte Mede de Sivrac. It had a wooden frame and wheels, and lacked a steering apparatus. It was propelled manually by the feet, similar to a balance bike.

In 1791, Comte Mede de Sicrac is credited with constructing the 'celerifer', an early form of a bicycle.

The 'Comte de Sivrac' is said to have developed a célérifère in 1792, which was an early version of a bicycle with two wheels set on a wooden frame. However, the existence of this machine is now doubted.

In response to the need for transportation during a drop in global temperatures and famine, German inventor Karl Drais created the Laufmaschine, also known as the 'running machine'. This invention quickly gained popularity and influenced life in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

On June 12, 1817, Karl von Drais made his first reported ride from Mannheim on a wooden draisine, covering 13 km in less than an hour. The draisine had iron shod wheels, a rear-wheel brake, and is considered the first bicycle.

Karl von Drais patented his design of the Laufmaschine, or Draisine, in 1818. This marked an important step in the development of the bicycle as a mode of transportation.

During the summer of 1819, the 'hobby-horse' became a fashion craze in London society, thanks to Denis Johnson's marketing skills. The dandies and Corinthians adopted it, but the trend faded within a year.

Scotsman Kirkpatrick Macmillan invented the Macmillan Velocipede, which was the first bicycle with pedals to drive the rear wheels. He is credited with being the man who invented the modern bicycle.

In 1842, a Glasgow newspaper reported an accident involving an anonymous 'gentleman from Dumfries-shire' riding a velocipede of ingenious design, knocking over a pedestrian in the Gorbals and being fined five shillings. This incident is associated with Kirkpatrick Macmillan, although the evidence is weak.

Heinrich Erdmann Christian Mylius introduced a pedal bicycle around 1845.

In 1850, the first three-wheeler was invented, providing a more stable ride compared to earlier contraptions propelled by pushing along with feet on the ground.

In 1853, Philipp Moritz Fischer invented the first bicycle with pedal crank, known as 'Tretkurbelfahrrad'. Fischer, who used the draisine as a child, built the bicycle in Schweinfurt, Bavaria.

In 1858, pedals were added to the steerable Laufmaschine. The credit for this addition is attributed to either Frenchman Pierre Michaux, his son Ernest Michaux, or Pierre Llament.

In 1860, Ernest Michaux and Pierre Lallement invented the first true bicycle, known as the velocipede. This bicycle included a crank and pedals, although it lacked brakes initially, leading to many accidents.

In 1862, Frenchman Pierre Lallement invented the Velocipede.

Blacksmith Ernest Michaux invents the first commercially successful velocipede in 1863, known as the boneshaker due to its stiff materials and straight angles making it a rough ride over cobblestone roads.

The earliest year agreed upon by bicycle historians for the creation of the first pedal bicycle, where a French metalworker attached pedals to the front wheel.

In 1865, the wealthy Olivier brothers Aimé and René traveled from Paris to Avignon on a velocipede in only eight days, recognizing the potential profitability of producing and selling the new machine.

British engineer James Starley invents the penny farthing in 1866, also known as the high wheeler. Despite its unique design with a large front wheel, it was challenging to ride, limiting its popularity.

Pierre and Ernest Michaux are credited as the true inventors of the modern bicycle. They assembled a two-wheeled velocipede in Paris around 1867, which was propelled like a tricycle with cranks and pedals connected to the front wheel.

In 1868, the partnership of Pierre Michaux, the Olivier brothers, and Georges de la Bouglise formed Michaux et Cie, the first company to mass-produce bicycles, using a new design made of two pieces of cast iron bolted together.

In 1869, solid rubber tires replaced iron velocipede tires, leading to the term 'bicycle' being first used.

The Penny Farthing bicycle was invented in 1870, named after the resemblance of its wheels to the penny and farthing coins. It was unstable, challenging to mount and dismount, with the front wheel serving for both power and steering.

The American Bicycle was made by Pickering and Davis, featuring hollow steel tubes for lighter weight and the first wheel brake.

The Ariel, the first high-wheel Ordinary, was manufactured in Britain in 1872.

James Starley introduced the 'penny-farthing' bicycle, known as the Ariel, during the Highwheel Era. With a large front wheel acting as a gear ratio, it provided a smoother ride compared to previous models.

In 1876, the Ordinary or high-wheeler was first displayed in America.

Penny Farthings were imported to America by Albert Pope in 1877.

Englishman William Grout created the First Portable Bicycle in 1878, which later became the precursor to the folding bike.

H. J. Lawson developed the rear-chain-driven Safety Bicycle in Britain, obtaining a patent for it in 1879. It was designed in direct competition to the boneshaker, with wooden wheels of only 23 inches in diameter, earning it the nickname the Sussex Dwarf.

In 1880, Thomas Humber, an English individual, adapted the block chain for use with his range of bicycles. This adaptation contributed to the improvement of bicycle technology during that time period.

The Sociable Monocycle was produced by Pearce in 1881.

In 1884, Thomas Stevens embarked on a journey from San Francisco to Boston, covering 3700 miles on a bicycle. He completed the first transcontinental bicycle ride on August 4, 1884, marking a significant milestone in cycling history.

John Kemp Starley invents the Rover Safety Bicycle in England, which resembles the modern standard bicycle with features like a low seat, strong metal chain, and equal-sized wheels.

The introduction of the safety bicycle in 1886 marked a significant improvement in design and affordability. With the use of chain drive and stronger metals from the Industrial Revolution, bicycles became more efficient and accessible to the average worker.

In 1887, Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop invented Pneumatic Tyres.

Dunlop's invention of pneumatic tires led to the decline of the high-wheel design and the rise of the safety bike, which became the standard for contemporary bikes.

Daniel Stover and William Hance patent the Pedal-Back Brake, later known as safety brakes, which would become a standard feature on bicycles.

The safety bike, a safer alternative to the ordinary bicycle, was invented in 1890. It was made possible by advancements in metallurgy, allowing for the creation of a fine chain and sprocket that made it easier for humans to power the bike.

The first International 6-Day Bicycle Race took place in the USA at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

George P. Huffman's Davis Sewing Machine Company began manufacturing Huffy bicycles in Ohio, leading to the establishment of the Huffy Corporation.

Orville and Wilbur Wright opened their bicycle shop, the Wright Cycle Company, in Dayton, Ohio.

Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, also known as Annie Londonderry, a Latvian Jewish immigrant from Boston, began her journey around the world by bicycle in June 1894. She embarked on this adventure with her Sterling bike.

In September 1895, a woman rode a bicycle in Chicago and embarked on a world trip, possibly becoming the first woman to do so. She mainly traveled on ships and trains, using her bicycle to commute to and from main ports. The journey was sponsored by The Londonderry Lithia Spring Water Co.

Henry Ford's invention of the 'quadricycle' in 1896, which had four bicycle tires and was driven by a chain, laid the groundwork for the later success of the Model T. This innovation revolutionized American transportation and paved the way for the automotive industry.

Hosea W. Libbey patents the mid-drive electric bicycle design, where the mid-drive rotates at the same RPM as the wheel. This concept lays the foundation for modern e-bikes with mid-drive motors.

By 1898, the League of American Wheelmen had more than 102,000 members, including notable figures like the Wright Brothers, John D. Rockefeller, and Diamond Jim Brady. The League advocated for cyclists' rights and better road conditions.

Isaac R Johnson, an African-American inventor, patented the first folding bicycle with a modern diamond frame pattern on October 10, 1899, which is still used in bicycles today.

The novel 'How I Saved The British Empire' recounts the author's reminiscences of a bicycling tour across Great Britain in the year 1901.

The Gazelle Bicycle was introduced in 1902, marking a significant development in the history of bicycles. It represented advancements in design and technology for cycling enthusiasts.

The year 1903 saw the invention of internal hub gears for bicycles, providing a more streamlined and efficient gear system. This innovation contributed to the evolution of bicycle technology.

Raleigh introduced a bicycle equipped with a Sturmey Archer 3-Speed hub in 1909, revolutionizing the cycling experience.

In 1914, the mass production of bicycles made them affordable and practical for personal transportation, significantly impacting mobility.

Fred Colson merged Worthington, Fay, and Fairy businesses to create the Colson Bicycle Company, renowned for producing tricycles for adults, children, and handicapped individuals. The company later evolved into Evans-Colson and eventually Evans.

The Nichibei Fuji Cycle Company Ltd was created through the merger of Nichibei Trading Company and a Japanese Mechanical Engineering company. They started producing bicycles for the Japanese market.

Lines Brothers acquired The Unique and Unity Cycle Company, known for manufacturing bicycles for adults, children's tricycles, bicycles, and pedal cars.

Shozaburo Shimano founded the Shimano Iron Works and initiated the production of bicycle freewheels.

In 1923, Bosch introduced a dynamo (magneto) bicycle lighting system.

Frenchman Charles Mochet invented the Velocar, which combined the comfortable seating position and trunk of a car with the pedal propulsion of a bicycle.

In the 1930s, Schwinn added a spring fork and fat tire to handle the rough usage by teenage boys, laying the foundation for the modern mountain bike design.

Charles Mochet developed the Recumbent bicycle in 1933, based on the same ergonomic principles as his earlier velocar.

After Francis Faure set a new record on a recumbent bicycle, the UCI banned recumbent bicycles from competing.

Schwinn introduced the B-10E Boys motorbike model.

Schwinn launched the Streamline Aero-Cycle in the market.

The Birmingham Small Arms Company began producing military bicycles, including the folding paratrooper bicycle.

Thomas M McDonald filed a patent for a hub motor, which serves as the fundamental technology in most electric bike motors used today.

Historic footage showcasing unique bicycles from the late 1930s and early 1940s in Europe.

The Schwinn Auto Cycle Super Deluxe model was introduced in 1941.

Columbia developed the Compax bicycle in 1942 specifically for military paratroopers, designed as a disassembling bicycle.

The Huffy Convertible Children’s Bicycle brought innovation to the kids' bikes market in 1949.

The H.P. Snyder Manufacturing Company produced the Rollfast model Hopalong Cassidy.

The Huffy Radio Bicycle was introduced with a unique feature of a built-in radio, catering to music lovers.

In 1962, the President's Council of Physical Fitness sparked a renewed interest in bicycles for recreation and fitness in the United States. This led to a major bicycle boom throughout the 60s, with the 'English 3-speed' being a popular consumer model at the time.

The Schwinn Sting-Ray Muscle Bike or Lowrider was introduced by Schwinn in 1964 and customized by Sean Johnson.

Raleigh introduced its Chopper bicycle into the US market in 1968.

In 1970, the Cannondale Company was established in the United States by Joe Montgomery.

The 1971 motorcycle racing documentary 'On Any Sunday' is credited with inspiring the BMX movement in the US, showing kids riding their Schwinn Sting-Rays off-road.

In 1972, a new bicycle boom began in the United States, with bicycles outselling cars for the first time. The sales figures showed 13 million bicycles sold compared to 11 million cars. Additionally, bicycle thefts accounted for 17% of all larcenies in the U.S.

In 1973, Dr. Allan Abbott set a bicycle speed record by reaching 138.674 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the realm of bicycle speed records.

In 1974, US-based engineers Chester Kyle and David Gordon Wilson from MIT are credited as the pioneers of the modern recumbent movement.

Augustus Kinzel created the Series Hybrid Bicycle (SH) in 1975. This type of bike is unique as it is powered by the cyclist charging up a generator via the pedals, converting pedal energy into electricity.

In 1976, Bikecentennial organized thousands of Americans to ride coast-to-coast to celebrate the United States' bicentennial. This project raised the profile of bicycle touring in North America and led to the establishment of the Adventure Cycling Association.

In 1977, the prototype of mountain bikes was first developed, marking a significant milestone in the history of cycling. This innovation laid the foundation for the popularization of mountain biking as a recreational and competitive sport.

In 1978, a new round of steep oil prices increases further encouraged bicycling in the USA. More bikes than cars were being sold, and triple chain-ring cranks had become widely available, expanding the types of terrain and conditions that bicyclists could explore.

The Avatar 2000, a long-wheelbase (LWB) recumbent bicycle, was designed by MIT’s David Gordon Wilson in 1979, considered the first modern production recumbent bike.

The Fatbike, designed for off-road usage, was invented in 1980, offering enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrains.

The Specialized Stumpjumper, a popular mountain bike model, was introduced in 1981. It played a significant role in the development and popularity of mountain biking as a sport.

The inaugural BMX World Championships took place in Dayton, Ohio, USA in 1982.

The First European Human Power Championships were held in 1983.

The First World Unicycling Convention and Championships (UNICON) was held in Syracuse, USA in 1984.

In 1985, Avanti Bikes was established in New Zealand, expanding to Australia in 1991. Over the years, the company has grown its collection to include over 80 different bicycle models catering to various cycling communities.

In 1986, Department of the Interior and Nielson surveys revealed that bicycling ranked as the third most popular participatory sport, following swimming and general exercise.

Andrew Ritchie created the Brompton Folding Bike, which won the Best Product award at the International Cyclex Exhibition in April 1987.

In 1988, Joe Breeze was honored with induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the design and advancement of mountain biking.

Australia passed the world's first bike helmet legislation, making it mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets by law.

In 1990, Shimano, a Japanese company, introduced integrated brake/gear levers, revolutionizing the biking industry by combining two essential components into one.

Eric Staller designed an 8-person bicycle known as the Conference Bicycle.

In 1992, Vector Services Limited launched an electric bicycle named Zike, capitalizing on the renewed interest in electric power assist bikes since the oil crisis of 1973. This marked a significant advancement in ebike technology.

The Electra Bicycle Company was founded by German-born Benno Baenziger and Jeano Erforth.

In 1994, Sachs (SRAM) introduced the PowerDisc, which was the first mass-produced hydraulic disc brake system for bicycles.

In 1995, Fred Rompelberg from the Netherlands achieved a new bicycle speed record of 166.9 mph. At 50 years old, he became the oldest professional cyclist in the world.

Paola Pezzo won a gold medal in mountain biking at the 1996 Olympics and later won another gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Starting in 1998, Ebikes experienced a period of rapid growth in Asia (especially China and India) and Europe, becoming the fastest-growing segment of the bicycle market in the new millennium.

In 2000, the Rohloff Speedhub 14 speed internal hub gearing system was introduced, offering advanced gear options for bicycles.

In 2002, Campagnolo introduced a 10 cog rear cluster, enabling the creation of 30-speed bicycles.

In 2009, Shimano introduced the Di2, the first commercially successful electronic shift system. This innovation followed earlier developments by Sun Tour, Mavic, Sachs, and Campagnolo.

ADAPTRAC invents a system that enables riders to adjust tire pressure individually while riding, using carbon dioxide cartridges to maintain optimal traction in changing riding conditions.

The book 'Two Wheels Good' by Jody Rosen delves into the history and mysteries surrounding bicycles, providing a comprehensive look at their evolution and significance.

In 2017, dockless bike share systems were introduced in North America, with some companies including ebikes in their fleets.

In 2020, various gadgets were invented to make commuting by bike safer and easier, despite the continuous development in the cycling industry.