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Bicycles
Imagine living in the early 1800’s, when the only way of transportation available was horses, or walking everywhere. Imagine how frustrating it would be walking miles just to deliver amessage or simply to hangout with a friend for a while and then walk those miles back home. With the technology we have these days, it would be impossible even to imagine how life would be like inthose conditions. Today, we have cars and airplanes to travel long distances, but this evolution started with an artifact that is still used in the XXI century; the bicycle. But bicycles were not as weknow them today. It was nearly 200 years ago when the first bicycle was invented, and different models are still being created and modified today. It is always interesting to know how bicycles started,their impact in the world, and how they can help both the environment and our health.
It all started in 1817 when Baron von Drais invented a bicycle propelled by pushing your feet against theground. It was supposed to replace horses and it was fully made out of wood. The only problem was that it was only acquirable by the wealthy people back then. Pedals were added to the bicycle in the frontwheels forty-eight years later. This model was called the Velocipede and it could be found in large cities. But bicycles were incredibly uncomfortable back then and many incidents took place.Different inventors modified it without success. There was the high wheel bicycle, which consisted of a tall front wheel that measured nearly four times the one in the back, and the pedals were directlyattached to the front wheel. This caused many accidents as well. Many other models were created; even a tricycle, but it was until 1885 when J.K. Starley invented the modern bicycle. Propelled by pedalsattached to chains that were linked to both tires (which were made out of rubber and had the same measures), this bicycle totally revolutionized transportation for either kids or adults. Suddenly,...