Perfect Machine.
The simple bicycle can reduce pollution and is very
effective in reducing fuel costs and traffic
congestion
writes Ramesh Seth. We are much concerned these days with
the dangers of green house gases but can we spare a few
moments for the humble bicycle, which can act as an
effective deterrent against generation of green house
gases?
In this context, it is not surprising that more than 59%
respondents of 4500 voters who took part in a BBC Radio 4
survey to choose the most significant innovation since 1800
chose the ubiquitous bicycle as the topmost favourite. Next
on the list was transistor with a mere 8% of the popular
vote. Other innovations laid on the wayside compared to
these.
Simplicity of design of the bicycle was attractive to many
as also its durability and non-requirement of fuels. It
also does not require much of maintenance. Occasional leaks
in the tire and mechanical wear and tear not withstanding,
this machine costs minimum towards its upkeep.
The bicycle was evolved over a period of 50 years since a
German Baron Karl Drais Von Saurbronn invented
the “Laufmaschine” or “ Running Machine”. Later French men
Pierre and Ernest Michax invented the first bicycle during
the 1860s. Later on John Kemp Starley produced the first
successful safety bicycle called the “Rover”. This machine
featured wheels of equal sizes and a chain drive connected
to the rear wheel.
John Boyd Dunlop
introduced pneumatic tires, which made the
rides smoother. English mechanic Macmillan is also believed
to have introduced an improved version in 1890, for the
last 125 years though, the basic features of the bicycle
remain unchanged.