Bicycle - a High Utility Vehicle

Evolution of bicycle commenced in 1818 with pushmail delivery, used by military for troup
bikes or hobby horses which were like a woodenmovement, and it also became a source of
frame supported by two in-line wheels and therecreation.
rider used to push it with his feet while navigatingWith an advent of technology and modern
the front wheel. Then in 1839 it was refined, as amaterials, various types of bicycles are launched in
mechanical crank drive was added to the rearthe market. There is a range of utility bicycles,
wheel.racing bicycles, mountain bicycles, BMX bicycles
A new design of bicycle marked its beginning inand many more. One can select the type of
1850s and 1860s when Frenchmen Pierre Michauxbicycle according to his requirement in terme of
and Pierre Lallement placed pedals on an enlargedfunctions, number of riders, etc.
front wheel. It was made of wrought iron andA rider rides the bicycle by keeping it upright so
wood with mounted wire spiked wheels with solidthat the centre of gravity remain on its wheels.
rubber tires on a tubular steel frame. But thisHe leans while taking a turn by turning the
designed faced problem of very high seat andhandlebars with his hands. He uses brakes in order
uneven distribution of weight.to stop, as the brakes applies stopping force to
Subsequently, these problems were solved tothe front wheels. It is the most energy-efficient
some extent by reducing the front wheelmeans of transportation, as it requires very low
diameter, adding gears to attain enough speed,energy to ride in a slow speed and transmits
setting the seat in the middle, etc. But it faced99% of energy of a rider to the wheels.
major problem with the front wheel, as bothWith an influx of technology and innovatios, the
pedal and steer were attached to it. Then J.K.designing of bicycles has remarkably changed.
Starley, J.H. Lawson and Shergold connected theThere are different models for men and women,
pedals with the back wheel with chain driveracing and ordinary rides, cargo carriers and circus
system to reduce the problem. Those bicyclesuse. Each model has its own unique features in
were given a name of safety bicycles or dwarforder to meet the exclusive requirements of the
safeties, as they had lower seats with equalrider like gears for racing riders, cushioned saddles
distribution of weight.for short distance riders, disc brakes for off-road
Golden age of bicycles began in 1890s, since newriders, etc.
innovations made these bicycles moreThe use of bicycle has not only improved man`s
comfortable. Pneumatic tire was an invention ofday to day life, but also contributed for better
Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop in 1888 and thenenvironment because cycling doesn`t cause
only freewheel was developed. Subsequently,polllution. Moreover, it has positive effects on
coastal brakes were invented in 1898. This periodone`s health. Manufacturing of bicycles has led to
also marked the introduction of derailleur gearsthe deveopment of other industries also like
and hand operated cable-pull brakes. Soon itcomposition of ball bearings, sprockets, washers,
became world wide famous due to its high utilityetc., as many companies make frames of bicycles
in alsmost every field. It was used in India toand buy other parts from other companies.
distribute milk in houses, used by postman for