Who Invented the Bicycle?
Learning to ride a bicycle without training wheels is a rite of passage for many children. For older kids and adults, bicycles have provided cost-effective, green transportation that also offers an aerobic workout. Countless varieties of bicycles are available now for a large range of prices. Bicycles did not become available until the late 19th century, but there is a dispute about who should be credited with inventing the bicycle.
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History
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The earliest schematic drawing of a bicycle was made by Leonardo da Vinci in a sketchbook that dates from 1490. There is, however, no record that the genius artist/inventor and painter of the Last Supper ever attempted to build a bicycle.
Time Frame
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The next event that led to the invention of the bicycle as we know it was the celefere, a wooden scooter. It was invented in 1790 by a Comte Mede de Sivrac, of France. This device had no way to be steered. nor did it have pedals or brakes.
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Identification
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Most experts credit another Frenchman, Ernest Michaux, with building the first bicycle that had pedals and cranks. Michaux was a carriage maker. His bicycle was invented in 1861.
Expert Insight
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David V. Herlihy, writer of the award winning book, "Bicycle: The History," disputes the claim that Michaux invented the "mechanical horse," i.e. the bicycle. He attributes it to Pierre Lallement, another French carriage maker, who built a bicycle in 1862. The following year he moved to Connecticut and interested an investor, James Carroll, to share the first U.S. patent for a bicycle, which they obtained in 1866.
Effects
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Perhaps one reason that not many people associate Pierre Lallement is that he was unable to profit from his invention. Albert A. Pope obtained the ownership of the patent. Then Pope started Columbia Bicycles, which became a very successful company.
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