INDAH WAHYUNINGTYAS
NIM:1235030056
The first bicycle
With covid and the coming climate crisis, bicycles are
getting more and more popular. But where did the
bicycle come from? Who invented this "velocipede"?
You may be surprised to learn that the
humble bicycle was invented several years later than the railway locomotive! But the
two-wheeler has come a long way since the day it was invented by a
Scottish blacksmith, Kirkpatrick MacMillan, back (it is said) in 1839.
MacMillan developed his bike from an older wheeled vehicle, called a "hobby
horse". This was a wooden horse with two wheels. The rider sat on the horse, and
pushed the vehicle along with his feet. It was not a very fast or safe vehicle, since it
had no steering and no brakes.
MacMillan, nicknamed Mad Pate, modified the hobby horse, by adding a system
of articulated bars. The rider could push the bars back and forwards with his feet,
and make the back wheel go round. He could also steer the bike, as the front wheel
could be turned.
To demonstrate his invention, he cycled 60 miles to Glasgow! It must have been a
terrible journey, on the roads of the day! Pate's bike did not have rubber tyres
or springs.
Mad Pate was not recognised in his time, but other people became interested in
bicycles. Twenty-five years later, a Frenchman called Pierre Lallemant designed
and patented the first bicycle with rotary pedals; and in 1876, H.J.Lawson added
another basic feature, "chain-drive".
Other features, such as rubber tyres and gears, have appeared since then; but
the basic bicycle has not changed.
Since then, the bicycle has had a magnificent fortune. Today, it is probably the
most common form of transport in the world, especially in developing countries; and
non-polluting and easy to ride, it has a big future as the town vehicle of tomorrow.
Thanks Pate!
WORDS:
blacksmith: a blacksmith makes things out of iron
steering: means of direction
brakes: brakes help a vehicle to stop
nicknamed: known familiarly as
articulated: with joints
steer:directing or controlling the direction of a vehicle.
rubber: a slightly soft material used on the outside of car wheels
springs: springs make a vehicle more comfortable
to patent: to officially register an invention
drive: traction
features: aspects
gears: most modern bicycles have at least 10 gears
I. Reading Comprehension: true or false?
Read the article and say whether these statements are true or false:
1.The railway locomotive was invented before the bicycle.
(TRUE)
2. The first bicycle was built in Scotland.
(TRUE)
3. The bicycle was developed from a wooden horse
(TRUE)
4. The first bicycle was very difficult to steer.
(TRUE)
5. Pate preferred not to have rubber tyres for his bike.
(TRUE)
6. The pedals on Pate's bike went round and round.
(TRUE)
7. A Frenchman designed the first bike with rotary pedals.
(TRUE)
8. Bicycles are very useful in developing countries.
(TRUE)
9. The bicycle has little future in Europe.
(FALSE)
II. Answer the questions!
1. Who invented the first bicycle?
invented by Kirkpatrick MacMillan, a Scottish blacksmith
2. Who patented the first bicycle with rotary pedals?
Was patented by Pierre Lallemant, a Frenchman.
3. When was the bicycle patented?
The bicycle with rotary pedals was patented around twenty-five years
after Kirkpatrick MacMillan’s invention, likely in the mid-19th century.
4. Did people recognise the first inventor of bicycle?
Kirkpatrick MacMillan, the first inventor of the bicycle, was not
recognized in his time for his invention.
5. What H.J. Lawson added to the first bicycle?
H.J. Lawson added the “chain-drive” feature to his first bicycle. This is a
basic feature that allows the power generated by the rider’s pedaling
motion to be transferred to the rear wheel through a chain, improving
the efficiency and performance of the bicycle.
6. How is the bicycle today?
Currently, bicycles are a widely used mode of transportation, especially
in developing countries. They are environmentally friendly and easy to
use, making them a popular choice for urban cycling and recreational
activities.
