HISTORY OF TRICYCLES

HISTORY OF TRICYCLES

According to recent research, tricycles have a long and storied history dating back to the early 19th century. They were originally designed for individuals who needed assistance in mobility, offering a blend of stability and ease of use. This article explores the evolution of tricycles from their inception to the present day.

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HISTORY OF TRICYCLES

The earliest recorded tricycle was constructed for a German paraplegic named Stephan Farffler, who resided near Nuremberg. Farffler, a watchmaker, created a tricycle featuring gears and hand cranks, demonstrating early ingenuity in adaptive design.

Innovation in France

In 1868, two French inventors, Blanchard and Maguier, developed a tricycle that prompted the Journal de Paris to introduce the terms "bicycle" and "tricycle" on July 27th to differentiate between the two forms of transport. Meanwhile, in England, Denis Johnson patented a tricycle in 1876, followed by the introduction of a swiftwalker tricycle in the same year.

The Starley Influence

On November 18, 1876, James Starley revolutionized tricycles with the introduction of the Coventry Lever Tricycle. This side-driven, two-track machine featured two small wheels on the right side which steered simultaneously, alongside a large drive wheel on the left. The following year, Starley unveiled the Coventry Rotary, one of the pioneers of rotary chain-driven tricycles.

Growth of Tricycles

By 1878, production in Coventry had expanded to include twenty types of tricycles and multi-wheel cycles, and by 1880, over 120 models were being manufactured by 20 companies. These early tricycles were particularly appealing to individuals unable to ride high-wheel bikes, such as women encumbered by long dresses and shorter men.

Popularity in Great Britain

From the mid-1870s to the 1880s, tricycles outnumbered bicycles in Great Britain. This was largely a reflection of social class: tricycles were viewed as more genteel and thus more expensive, appealing to the upper classes who were able to afford them. Consequently, tricycling enjoyed sustained popularity in Britain, even hosting dedicated racing events.

Decline and Adaptation

However, by the late 1890s, the popularity of tricycles waned as the bicycle became the preferred mode of transport. In the United States, tricycles were primarily used by older adults for recreation, shopping, and exercise, whereas in Asia and Africa, they became pivotal for commercial transportation.

Generational Changes

The tricycles manufactured from the 1870s to the 1880s, including Starley’s Coventry Rotary, are remembered as the first generation of tricycles, showcasing a variety of innovative designs. By the end of the 19th century, a second generation emerged, epitomized by the Humber Cripper, which had a conventional layout of two rear wheels and a single front wheel.

The Rise of Modern Tricycles

The third generation of tricycles closely resembles modern models. One of the pioneers of this era was the Starley Psycho, which featured wheels of equal size, a hallmark of bike design today. However, by the turn of the century, the advent of the pneumatic tire and the safety bicycle diminished the tricycle’s market share as they provided comparable stability.

Social Impact and Cultural Relevance

The late 19th century saw a distinct social dynamic between bicycles and tricycles. Initially, bicycles, especially high wheelers, were the domain of athletic, affluent men, while tricycles were marketed toward older, less adventurous individuals. However, as tricycle designs improved, they became fashionable, appealing to a broader audience.

Historian David V. Herlihy noted that by the late 1880s, the speed difference between bicycles and tricycles bridged significantly. The press began to herald tricycles as a trendy means of transport, and with the endorsement of figures like Queen Victoria in 1887, tricycles gained immense popularity among women. Social rides and excursions became common, accompanied by tea gatherings, reflecting the elegant culture surrounding them.

Despite their social status, the rapid evolution in bike design means that while tricycles once dominated the roads, they ultimately made way for more practical bicycles. Nevertheless, tricycles remain a symbol of vintage cycling history and continue to serve specific niches, such as recreational use for seniors.

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The influence of high-wheel tricycles on society was profound, establishing a paved path for bicycles, and later motorcycles and cars, to become fixtures on roads worldwide. Today, these tricycles are regarded as the "aristocrats" of vintage cycling.

[Thanks to Bicyclopedia for the history of tricycles source]

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