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[[File:A replica of a very early bike (15036862042).jpg|thumbnail|left|Figure 1. Replica of an early Draisine.]]__NOTOC__
In the 1800s, early forms of bicycles existed. Although the invention of the bicycle, to this day, is not entirely clear, cycling, as a sport and hobby, soon did become of great interest to the public. Shortly after the bicycle was invented, cycle races began to spread in many areas.
==How did bicycling change at the end of the 19th Century? ==
[[File:Kangaroo Bicycle Rev.jpg|thumbnail|left|Figure 2. The high wheel bike became popular in the 1870s among cyclists.]]In the 1870s, cycling was focused on delivering faster speeds and was mostly a young man's sport, as it was often seen as dangerous and not suitable for the elderly or women. The so-called high-wheel bikes became popular (Figure 2), which often had a huge front wheel and small back wheel. Such bikes made it possible to attain very high speeds, but they were notoriously unsafe with many fatal and major accidents. The main problem was these bicycles placed the driver high up, which meant that any bump or uneven surface made the cyclists lose control.
In the 1880s, the so-called safety bicycle was developed, emphasizing greater steering control and more even wheel sizes, giving the rider greater control and greater comfort by now giving back wheel chain control. By improving safety and comfort for cycling, these new so-called safety bikes also became the first bikes to be popular among both sexes and for different age groups. At this point, cycling begins to be pervasive among the wider population and at different age groups, including the elderly.
== What is the History of the Bicycle Lock? ==
Not surprisingly, as soon as bicycles became more popular, people began stealing them. In parallel with the development of bikes, people began to develop bike locks to protect their investment. Starting in the early 20th century, companies began creating bicycle locks. The earliest bike locks were either larger steel locks designed to fit between the spokes or bicycle locks attached to chains connected the wheels to the frame. <ref>https://www.historicallocks.com/en/site/h/other-locks/bike-locks/locks-for-bicycles/</ref>
In the 1930s, Optimus, a German company, began manufacturing several different sized steel locks that could be used on a large range of bicycles. Companies in the United States were also manufacturing bike locks and selling them worldwide. Eventually, Optimus switched to pressed steel to create stronger, more secure locks. Even during World War II, companies continued to sell bike locks to militaries fighting during the war. <ref>https://www.historicallocks.com/en/site/h/other-locks/bike-locks/locks-for-bicycles/</ref> Today, bicycle locks are made by hundreds of companies across the world to protect bikes. [https://thebestbikelock.com/| Bicycle safety is still important, and you can check out some of the best modern bicycle locks made today in this article.] Fortunately, modern locks do a better job securing bikes than the ones made back in the 1920s.
==Summary==
Cycling was developed as a sport and leisure activity in the early 1800s. Early bicycles were uncomfortable and often dangerous, making them less amenable to the wider public until the 1870s when bicycles began to be developed, having safety as a major priority. This led to the increase of cycling among the general population. That changed in the 1900s, as the automobile led to the decline of cycling. More recently, however, cycling has had a new lease, as it is now seen as part of larger urban transport plans and recreation and sport.
==References==
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[[Category:Wikis]] [[Category: History of Science and Technology]] [[Category:Sports History]]
