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First Idea
Leonardo da Vinci gets credit for making the basic blueprints of the bicycle in 1492. In 1791, the French invent the basic idea of a bike. It was a simple wooden beam with wooden wheels and no steering. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/bicycle/273207 -
First Bike
Originally made as a toy for children, it was first made in 1816, in Germany. It was first called a Hobbyhorse and had no pedals. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748017714&accountid=3541 -
A New Addition
15 years later, and English inventor added basic pedals to the bike. It became known as a "boneshaker" since the bike was such a bumpy ride. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
New Tires
In 1870, the bicycle became the new name. Tires also changed form wood to solid rubber. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
Penny-far-thing
The Penny-far-thing was a new frame for the bicycle, and had a new frame. It became popular in the US. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
Bike Popularity Growth
Pneumatic tires became the norm in 1880. Tires became the same size, and more people started using the bicycle. It became much more safe. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
Bicycles for Work
Mail carriers started using bicycles to travel. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
A New Challenge to the Bike
Henry Ford made the first massed produced automobile in 1896, and the bicycle popularity decreased due to this. This continued until about 1970. During this time period, gas was cheap around WWII, and cars were affordable. which was another cause for more cars in the US. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
Period: to
1896-1970 - Bicycle Popularity Decreasing in the US
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Period: to
1970-1990 - A Comeback for Bikes
Not used for commuting as much, bicycles make a comeback as people use them for recreational and exercise purposes. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
A New Use for the Bike
The bike is almost always used for recreational use in the US. In some countries, it is still used for mostly commuting from place to place instead of cars. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/2250130335?searchid=1748448297&accountid=3541 -
1990-Present Day Tech
The bike has been upgraded so much. Today, bicycles cost a lot more than in the 1800's. Only wealthy people could buy them in that period of time. Today, they are much more accessible to the public and have newer tech like suspension, hydraulic brakes, and a derailleur. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/bicycle/273207 -
Bikes in the Future
This tech has been made as a prototype, but I believe housed gearboxes could become popular. Instead of an open cassette (gears) or a derailleur on a bike, it could be housed like a car. That way, it wouldn't get dirty and oil wouldn't be an issue. This tech could also become automatic shifting, like a car.