Bicycle: Out with the old...

I remember as a child learning how to ride the bicycle for the very first time. Almost everyone can attest to the fact that riding a bicycle was the most breathtaking experience ever. From learning how to ride as a kid, to having those training wheels removed and feeling like you can now conquer the world with your skills. Also, from doing free wheelies and no hand tricks to racing with your friends. It was just pure fun and more! The bicycle is a recreational mode of transport and is used for many purposes like exercise, triathlons, business, and competitions. Today, the bicycle is used in and around San Fernando but more so on the outskirts in quieter residential city areas. But! many can still joyfully state that the bicycle was the most influential part in their childhood experience and owning one was a huge deal!

History of the Bicycle

                        The "ancestors" of the very first bicycle can be dated as far as the 1800s. Seventeen years later, the first bicycle had a padded seat for easy sitting and a front wheel that could be easily navigated by handle bars. This was said to be created by Charles, Baron von Drais of Sauerbrun, Germany. First there was the Hobby Horse (1818) which possessed two 24" wooden wheels, a saddle that could be adjusted for various heights, 4ft wooden bar and was moved by walking and coasting. This bike was popularly known and utilized by the French and British.

                        Then came the Laubach Velocipede (1869) which came with the introduction of peddles attached to the front wheels, 2 iron frames attached to the wheels, a wooden seat now with adjustable coil spring for height variations and wooden handbars and iron wheels. Because of the creation of the velocipede,  bike riding became very popular. So many Americans became interested in purchasing and riding this bicycle.  With the addition of the peddles riding became more convenient and easy. By the 1870s, the bike was seen as original and ordinary till the 1890s.

                        After, the High Wheel Light Roadster Ordinary bicycle was created in 1888. This bike was very unique as it consisted of a 53" front wheel and 18" rear wheel, leather saddle, a tubed wheel with frame, rubber peddles and friction brakes operated by the right hand of the rider against the front wheel. This bike came in various sizes and was very quick and light. On the other hand, the big wheel kept riders off the ground making it a bit difficult and risky to handle. In addition, tight brakes caused riders to take a header and get injured. Some of the competitive high wheel riders were Annie Sylvester and AS. Wieners. Due to the danger of this bike, modifications were made in order to make the bike safer. The larger wheel was therefore reduced and chains and levers were added.

                        The Smith Pony Star (1891) replaced the high wheel roadster ordinary. This bike had an adjustable saddle, handbrakes to press against the rear tire, a 23" front wheel and 40" back wheel. There was also a Smith tricycle  that had the same features as the Pony Star, just with paired rear wheels added. Furthermore, there was also the Harper's Weekly tricycle that was ridden by two persons as the two back seats were next to each other. This Quadricycle Roadster (1885) had the ability to be converted into a single bicycle.

                        Chain driven safety bicycles made cycling more popular. In 1889 came the woman's safety bicycle. This bike had leather saddles, the same 28" size front and rear wheels, metal wheels with rubber tubing, chain guards and brakes. Interestingly, as the structure of the bicycle became safer and cost effective, women saw this personal mobility as an opportunity to gain freedom and had emancipated women greatly. Within the year 1889-1899, bicycle production grew from 200,000 to 1,000,000. Bicycle transport became inexpensive and mostly used. After this, came the Iver Johnson's women's bicycle (1925), Snyder's boy bicycle (1927) Schwinn Girl's Panther bicycle (1953), Tourist bicycle (1965) and the Super Sting Ray bicycle.

                        By the end of the 1900s, the existence of the bicycle faded and was replaced by automobiles. Despite this, the bicycle was still being ridden by all ages and was known to be the most green alternative towards the environment. Though you see the bicycle being ridden in the city of San Fernando, the automobile presently has greater influence and presence. 

                        San Fernando is the city of movement visibly and persons are seen riding mostly for recreational purposes. Due to the hilly structure of San Fernando, more automobile presence is there compared to the bicycle. T. Hall and H. Barrett in Urban Geography 4th edition, includes a case study on the geographies of urban cycling. They both believed that in this time, cycling is a mode of transport that is highly uneven across space. In my opinion this is true because within the city of San Fernando, the majority of riding occurs in pockets of villages. Both geographers went on to explain that in more developed countries, cycling usage is relatively high  unlike less developed areas. In relation to Trinidad, not many persons ride bikes and this could be link to our island size, lifestyle of people and heavy traffic. In Germany, the environment is characterized by short commuting distances thus promoting and encouraging cycling. High Street, San Fernando and other hubs are unsafe areas for citizens to be riding due to the competition for space and safety. This of course, poses threat to the cyclist. More importantly, respect is given to persons who ride in foreign countries as stated in Hall and Barrett's text. However, taking into consideration the culture of our drivers in the city of San Fernando, the same respect may not be earned.

Links of importance :- 

http://prezi.com/jw-7k4oagwgk/exploring-continuity-and-change-the-history-of-the-bicycle/

Until next week,

Shaniece