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It is generally accepted that the bicycle was invented by Baron Von Drais in Germany in 1817. However, it was not until 1863 that a bicycle was developed with the crank and pedal element to it. The first universally popular bicycle did not come into being until 1868. It was manufactured in France under the name ‘Michaux’ with the English giving it the unofficial name ‘The Bone-Shaker’. This name was due to its rigid frame and iron-banded wheels giving the riders a bone shaking experience. The next major step was probably the invention of the best known bicycle, the Penny Farthing. In 1870 James Starley created a bicycle based on the bone-shaker with an enlarged front wheel and small back wheel. The design was to enable the rider to reach faster speeds and travel with more ease over cobbles, which was handy in London at this time. The Penny Farthing’s reign was unfortunately short-lived, yet it is always linked with the late Victorian era. In the 1880s, the Safety Bicycle was invented which revolutionised the public’s attitude towards the bicycle as it was now seen as less dangerous and open to all. The Safety Bicycle improved on the Penny Farthing in four key areas - steering, safety, comfort and speed. This era is often referred to as the golden age of cycling and saw a significant rise in the number of female riders. With the rise in popularity of the car in the 1900s the bicycle’s popularity declined and they were seen as merely toys for a number of years. It is only as the world has become more and more aware of climate change that the bicycle has become widely used as an alternative form of transport. It has become apparent that this will continue into the future with companies offering incentives for individuals that cycle to work. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, cyclists and motorists need to be extremely road aware to ensure that everyone is kept safe. In the beginning, bicycles were purely for industrial and transport purposes. However, towards the end of the Victorian era cycling was beginning to become a sport. Cycling has continued to increase in popularity as a sport with events such as the Tour de France and the Olympics. It is important that children are encouraged to take up cycling as a hobby and see the outdoors and get fit and healthy at the same time. If you are a modern day bicycle rider and you and are involved in an accident and need to make a cycle accident claim or a bike crash accident claim why not search online today for people who can help.
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