<p>The basic mechanics of the bike are pretty simple --- it’s basically a triangle with wheels and a chain drive to propel it forward. No batteries or engines. It seems obvious in hindsight.... And that’s why most people guess the bike was invented a long time ago. Yet the ‘running machine,' a kind of early proto-bike, debuted around 1817.</p>
<p>For much more on the history of the bicycle, check out Jody Rosen's book:<a href="https://amzn.to/3F8Jn0n" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i> Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle. </i></a></p>
<p><a href="https://99percentinvisible.org/?p=39615&post_type=episode" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Safety Bicycle</a></p>
<p><p>Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. <br><br>Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting <a href="http://siriusxm.com/podcastsplus." target="_blank">siriusxm.com/podcastsplus</a>. </p></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>