The Bicycle
โญ MasteredThe modern bicycle with pedals, chains and equal-sized wheels developed in the 1800s. Bikes are efficient, cheap and good for the environment.
Early bikes without pedals were called balance bikes or dandy horses.
All about The Bicycle
The modern bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels, pedals, a chain and a diamond-shaped frame, developed in the 1800s. Earlier bicycles, such as the penny-farthing, had a huge front wheel and were difficult to ride safely.
Bicycles are efficient, cheap and good for the environment. A cyclist can travel several times faster than walking while using very little energy. Bicycles also help people stay healthy and reduce traffic in busy towns.
๐ฎ Try it yourself!
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Real-life uses of The Bicycle
- Riding to school or the shops
- Going on a family bike ride in the park
- Commuting to work without a car
Frequently asked questions about The Bicycle
What was a penny-farthing?
An early bicycle with a very large front wheel and a small rear wheel, which was hard to balance and dangerous to ride.
Who invented the bicycle?
Many people contributed. Karl Drais built an early two-wheeled machine in 1817, which had no pedals.
Why do bikes have gears?
Gears make it easier to pedal uphill or on flat ground, by changing how much effort each turn of the pedals requires.