| Evolution of bicycle commenced in 1818 with | | | | movement, and it also became a source of |
| push bikes or hobby horses which were like a | | | | recreation. With an advent of technology and |
| wooden frame supported by two in-line wheels | | | | modern materials, various types of bicycles |
| and the rider used to push it with his feet | | | | are launched in the market. There is a range |
| while navigating the front wheel. Then in | | | | of utility bicycles, racing bicycles, |
| 1839 it was refined, as a mechanical crank | | | | mountain bicycles, BMX bicycles and many |
| drive was added to the rear wheel. A new | | | | more. One can select the type of bicycle |
| design of bicycle marked its beginning in | | | | according to his requirement in terme of |
| 1850s and 1860s when Frenchmen Pierre Michaux | | | | functions, number of riders, etc. A rider |
| and Pierre Lallement placed pedals on an | | | | rides the bicycle by keeping it upright so |
| enlarged front wheel. It was made of wrought | | | | that the centre of gravity remain on its |
| iron and wood with mounted wire spiked wheels | | | | wheels. He leans while taking a turn by |
| with solid rubber tires on a tubular steel | | | | turning the handlebars with his hands. He |
| frame. But this designed faced problem of | | | | uses brakes in order to stop, as the brakes |
| very high seat and uneven distribution of | | | | applies stopping force to the front wheels. |
| weight. Subsequently, these problems were | | | | It is the most energy-efficient means of |
| solved to some extent by reducing the front | | | | transportation, as it requires very low |
| wheel diameter, adding gears to attain enough | | | | energy to ride in a slow speed and transmits |
| speed, setting the seat in the middle, etc. | | | | 99% of energy of a rider to the wheels. With |
| But it faced major problem with the front | | | | an influx of technology and innovatios, the |
| wheel, as both pedal and steer were attached | | | | designing of bicycles has remarkably changed. |
| to it. Then J.K. Starley, J.H. Lawson and | | | | There are different models for men and women, |
| Shergold connected the pedals with the back | | | | racing and ordinary rides, cargo carriers and |
| wheel with chain drive system to reduce the | | | | circus use. Each model has its own unique |
| problem. Those bicycles were given a name of | | | | features in order to meet the exclusive |
| safety bicycles or dwarf safeties, as they | | | | requirements of the rider like gears for |
| had lower seats with equal distribution of | | | | racing riders, cushioned saddles for short |
| weight. Golden age of bicycles began in | | | | distance riders, disc brakes for off-road |
| 1890s, since new innovations made these | | | | riders, etc. The use of bicycle has not only |
| bicycles more comfortable. Pneumatic tire was | | | | improved man`s day to day life, but also |
| an invention of Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop in | | | | contributed for better environment because |
| 1888 and then only freewheel was developed. | | | | cycling doesn`t cause polllution. Moreover, |
| Subsequently, coastal brakes were invented in | | | | it has positive effects on one`s health. |
| 1898. This period also marked the | | | | Manufacturing of bicycles has led to the |
| introduction of derailleur gears and hand | | | | deveopment of other industries also like |
| operated cable-pull brakes. Soon it became | | | | composition of ball bearings, sprockets, |
| world wide famous due to its high utility in | | | | washers, etc., as many companies make frames |
| alsmost every field. It was used in India to | | | | of bicycles and buy other parts from other |
| distribute milk in houses, used by postman | | | | companies. |
| for mail delivery, used by military for troup | | | | |