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Jan 1, 1418
The First "Bicycle"
Giovanni Fontana created the first idea bicycle, however it is very different than the ones we know today. This man powered vehicle had four wheels and used rope that was connected by gears to the wheels. Exact date is unknown. http://www.ibike.org/library/history-timeline.htm -
Running Machine, Velocipede, Draisienne, Dandy Horse
Karl Drais invented the next version of the bicycle, variously called the running machine, velocipede, draisienne, or dandy horse. This bicycle had two wheels, was made of wood, and had a steerable front wheel. A person would have to push off with their feet to start it because it was unsafe to lift their feet off of the ground. Exact date unknown. http://www.ibike.org/library/history-timeline.htm -
High Wheelers
The high wheeler was the first to be labeled as a "bicycle." The front wheel was very large and was a much smoother ride than the previous models. Exact date unknown. http://www.ibike.org/library/history-timeline.htm -
The Safety Bike
The safety bike was much safer than the high wheeler bikes before it, but did not provide the same comfort. The safety bike had two wheels that were identical in size, and had the same basic design as contemporary bicycles today. Exact date unknown. http://www.ibike.org/library/history-timeline.htm -
Pnuematic tires
John Boyd Dunlop discovered that air filled tires would provide a smoother ride than the hard rubber tires previously used. Exact date unknown. http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall08/Mancone/history.html -
Kids Bikes
After World War I, the need for bikes declined and children's bikes were invented. They were very popular and heavily designed to appeal to the young riders. Exact date unknown. http://www.ibike.org/library/history-timeline.htm -
Cruiser
Shwinn invents the Cruiser bike, which are still popular today. Exact date unknown. http://www.evelo.com/history-of-the-bicycle/ -
Mountain Bike
Joe Breeze created the Mountain Bike, which is designed for off road cycling on a rougher terrain. Exact date unknown. http://www.evelo.com/history-of-the-bicycle/
