It wasn't till the latter 1830's that pedal powered cycles were introduced. This is when those large wheeled cycles we've seen in old pics came along. They were named High Wheelers and they were the style of the time for men.



The ride on one of these large wheel cycles through the towns of the time was dangerous. They were not very well situated to ride and a bit hard to keep erect. If the ride didn't rough you up a bit, the fall surely would. They earned the nickname "bone-shakers" for good reason.

With the discovery of the Safety Bicycle, all that changed. A man named John Kemp Starley is said to have made the first successful example in 1885. He named it the "Rover," but he never registered it.

Starley's groundbreaking design featured some parts we are now familiar with. It had two tires the same size, a chain drive to the rear wheel and a steerable front wheel.

In earlier cycles, the frame was heavy, and usually made of wood. The introduction of lighter metals and the diamond frame design made them lighter. This one change allowed for various other innovations to be contributed.

Previously, the cycling action of the rider was applied to the front wheel. This made it hard to power the bicycle and it was more accident prone. With a chain drive attached to the rear wheel, the rider could more easily pedal. Turning street corners and other maneuvers became more comfortable, and the bicycle viewed as safer.

With the addition of air filled tires, the riders of the time were finding it easier. Long gone were the days of hard rubber or wood tires. These new tires were lighter and offered a significantly improved, cushioned ride.

The cycling frenzy hit Europe and North America in the middle to later 1800's. People from the middle classes as well as the posh were keen to get in on this crazy way to jaunt around. Cycling clubs were popping up all around Europe and the United States cycling was not only a sport leisure-time activity, but it became a crucial form of personal transportation as well.

Women, particularly, were bringing together the ranks of bicycle riders in huge numbers. Before these alterations to the bicycle, women were not allowed to ride. There was a question about the perils and possible moral significances of a woman driving a bicycle. For a time, even with the safety features, young unmarried women could only ride in the party of an older, well-thought-of female.

European countries still used the bicycle for transport and leisure well into the early 20th century. In some countries in Europe, even today, cycles far outnumber autos. They are preferred in bigger metropolises where parking is restricted and traffic is unmanageable. And, possibly best of all, they are extremely effective and make no pollution.

Americans did not pursue in the Europeans path though. By the 1910's, cycles for grownups were being superseded by automobiles. Although still used by some, they were not quite as popular as they formerly were. By the 1940's, the attitude towards cycles was that they were kids toys. Most cycles of the time were manufatured for children.

Bikes are making a comeback in these times of high gas prices. Bikes are extremely efficient modes of transportation. The additional gain of a healthier body are enticing more people to ride. People that haven't been on a bicycle in 2 decades or more are bicycling their way to work or out shopping.

Some of these industrious people are even building their own cycles. From a standard safety bike to tandem cycles and trikes, it's something nearly anybody can build. When you build your own bicycle, you choose the design and customize it to your own demands. It's a great way to spend time with the kids as well. And after you've built a bicycle or two, it'll be a blast to take 'em out for a ride!

The bicycle has come a long way since the earliest endeavors. Nowdays, cycles are made of light weight, stronger materials. Manufacturers extend a multitude of designs, founded on the specific use. They're designed for safety, comfort and are faster than ever before. Accessories like child trailers make taking the kids for a bike ride or stopping for some groceries easy.

In my following cycling article, I will be talking of the different designs of cycles there are and how you can build your own. In the meantime, go ride a bicycle!