bicycle: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	bike

Photos and Videos

An African American family of four, all wearing helmets, rides bicycles together on a tree-lined country trail, with two children in front and two adults following behind.

James Starley: “penny-farthing” bicycle

Diagram of a modern 10-speed bicycle with labeled parts, including the saddle, handlebars, brakes, gears, chain, pedals, wheels, frame tubes, and reflectors.

bicycle race, 1890

local government; SkyCycle

Components of a modern touring bicycle.

Trace the history of bicycles, the designs, the boom in the cycling industry, and how racing became an integral part

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

racing bicycle draisienne recumbent frame diamond frame exercise bicycle hybrid bicycle BMX hobby-horse 10-speed utility bicycle ship automobile submarine airplane helicopter truck motorcycle litter sedan rickshaw

Key People

default image

William Richard Morris, Viscount Nuffield

British industrialist

default image

James Starley

British inventor

Pope, Albert Augustus

Albert Augustus Pope

American manufacturer

Alberto Santos-Dumont. Postcard of Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont's (1873-1932) airship or dirigible and Eiffel Tower. The Santos Dumont Air-Ship rounding the Eiffel Tower; on Octoboer 19th 1901. airplane

A History of Everyday Technology in 68 Quiz Questions