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The bicycle has evolved through many versions to become what it is now. It started with what is called ‘the walking machine’ and evolved into ‘the velocipede.’ The velocipede then developed into ‘the high wheel.’ There were many other models invented and the list is too large to mention here. The objective of developing the bicycle remained on having a mechanical device that would enable mankind to move faster from one place to another.

The walking machine was the very first bicycle known to have been developed. It was also known as Draisienne or hobby horse. It was made entirely out of wood and had two wheels of the same size. The front wheel was steerable. To use it, one needed to push it forward with the feet and then glide. However, it could only be ridden on smooth surfaces.

The next device that was developed for mechanized motion was the velocipede or the boneshaker. It was very much like the walking machine, but there were pedals attached to the front wheel. It was later made with metal tires. With cobblestone roads, this machine made a very uncomfortable ride. Indoor riding academies were built.

The high wheel was designed in 1870. It was the first all-metal bicycle. The pedals were on the large front wheel. The wheel was made larger and larger because riders realized the larger the wheel the farther you could go with one pedal rotation. People bought the bicycle that was as long as their leg length would allow. It was the first machine to be called a bicycle. When it was stopped suddenly, the rider would fall on his head.

People started making improvements to the high wheel by making the rear wheel larger. The large wheel was at the back and the pedals were still on the larger (back) wheel. It became known as the high wheel safety.

The next improvement to the high wheel safety is called the hard tire safety. It had a chain and rubber tires. It was much more uncomfortable ride than the high wheel designs. However, the speed was the same. It had front and/or rear suspensions.

Thereafter, the pneumatic tire safety was invented by an Irish veterinarian who wanted his son to have a comfortable ride on his bicycle. Many working men use the pneumatic tire safety for transportation. Women used adult tricycles.

The various models mentioned above are not the only models that have been invented. These are just a few important ones that illustrate the challenges that the bicycle inventors of those years faced, before we could see the bicycle of today. It is a machine that allowed mankind to move faster and is powered by man.