New Delhi: Bicycles are one of the oldest forms of transportation and have several benefits for human beings. It is considered one of the greatest inventions in the history of science, as it laid the foundation for the evolution of the transportation world. To highlight the benefits of this greatest invention, people across the globe observe June 3 as World Bicycle Day. While we are observing this grand day, have you ever thought about when and who invented the first bicycle? If not, then this article will introduce you to the story of the beginning of bicycles.
The story of the beginning of bicycles
While walking through the lane of history, it comes to light that the story of the beginning of bicycles is quite complicated. It is not as simple as the invention of other tools and equipment. There are several stories about the invention of the bicycle, which often contradict each other. However, there is one crucial fact about this transportation medium: its initial design was not as like what we have today.
The first known iterations of a wheeled, human-powered vehicle were developed long before the bicycle came into existence. According to the International Bicycle Fund (IBF), a human-powered device consisting of four wheels was developed by an Italian engineer, Giovanni Fontana in 1418. The gear of the device was connected with a loop of rope.
Around 400 years after the development of wheeled contraption by Fontana, a German aristocrat and inventor named Karl von Drais came up with his own version of a Laufmaschine (running machine), a four-wheeled, human-powered vehicle, in 1813. Later, Drais debuted a two-wheeled vehicle, known by many names throughout Europe, in 1817.
Swiftwalker: The first bicycle!
Among these several stories, let’s shed some light on the invention of Karl Von Drais, who is credited with inventing the first bicycle by several historians. The initial bicycle-like machine, which is well known as the Swiftwalker, hit the road in 1817. While the frame of this early bicycle was developed using hard wood, it had no pedals. Additionally, the wheel of the machine was also developed with wood and fitted with iron rims and the outer surface of the wheel was covered with leather-covered tires. To ride the machine, the rider had to walk on the top of the vehicle with his feet leaving the ground as the vehicle gets motion.
According to history, Karl Von Drais is credited for inventing the first bicycle like device. The initial bicycle-like machine, which is well known as the Swiftwalker, hit the road in 1817. While the frame of this early bicycle was developed using hard wood, it had no pedals. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
