The bicycle is an excellent example of technological development and evolution. The original bicycle was inspired from the technology used to develop horse-drawn wagons, it was named the "Hobby Horse" and it's design allowed for no brakes, peddles, or springs. This design was introduced in 1812. Nearly fifty years later, the "Bone-Shaker" entered the bicycle scene. The frame alone weighed 100 pounds, which proved to be very difficult to make sudden stops. Due to such difficulties, the hand brake was designed. Around 1870, bicycle designs took a great turn, with significantly disproportioned wheels. Bicycles with an oversized wheel in the front, followed by a very small wheel in the rear are known as the "Ordinary Bicycles". In 1885, Rover Safety Bicycle was designed, this bicycle most closely resembles the bikes we ride today. The Rover bicycle was designed with a light weight diamond shaped tubular steel frame, chain, and mounted wire spokes.
The evolution and develop of the bicycle is crucial to note in our society. So many Americans own and use bicycles everyday, and we would not have such luxuries if it were not for technological evolution. The original bicycle design was inspired by horse-drawn wagons, and in turn, bicycles inspired the design of baby carriages and wheelchairs. All of these technologies have had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our society.
The need for such transportation devices, stems from our desire to develop technologies that are an extension of our bodies. A two wheeled instrument allows us to get from point A to point B, similar to our bodies ability to walk. As an extension of our bodies, the bicycle is a much more practical and time efficient means of transportation.
http://www.pedalinghistory.com/PHhistory.html
http://www.phys.uri.edu/~tony/bicycle/bikehist.html
The bicycle is truly an important step in the evolution of transportation technology. Much in the same way as cars have further expanded our movement, bicycles are integrated deeply into our lives. Newspapers were delivered to our doorsteps (or bushes) and now we use them to exercise our bodies. Look no further than the new Green Line in the city to see how important bicycles have become to our society. Those two wheels are keeping the country moving, and without the pollution that cars emit.
ReplyDeleteAs they have helped evolve society, so have they evolved themselves. They are now made with lighter metal alloys and are more comfortable to use. More robust options include special tires and headlights for mountain trails. These upgrades continue to make the bicycle relevant. It is an extension of our legs, as we once traveled by foot; we now use our legs to operate the pedals, which operate the wheels.
The next evolution of the bicycle has been coming for a while now. The Segue was touted as the next version, but due to law restrictions, the idea has not been able to catch on. It would have resulted in less exercise anyway, and who needs that? At least, I don’t :-).
The invention of the bicycle has changed many people lives around the world for the better. It allows fast transportation and riding a bicycle is a good way to exercise and stay healthy. The invention of the bicycle also helps to come up with other forms of transportation such as the automobile and motorcycle. Bicycle racing is a now huge multi million dollars business with the Tour de France and cyclist Lance Armstrong have created a new popularity for bicycle riding in the last decade.
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