NOBODY SHIED AWAY FROM «INVENTING A BICYCLE»

Abstract

For the English abstract and full text of the article please see the attached PDF-File (English version follows Russian version). Two hundred years ago - on February 17, 1818 - in England a patent was registered for design of a self-propelled machine, a prototype of a modern bicycle. The author of the invention, the German Baron Karl Friedrich Christian Ludwig Freiherr Drais von Sauerbronn, had demonstrated his first scooter a year before, and since then the popularity of a «machine for walking» was steadily increasing. By the end of 19th century, 1000 people applied for their bicycle patents in France, 2400 - in England, 4000 - in the USA! The simplicity of the idea won over everyone. And in every new detail, willing or not, the genius glimpsed. Especially if you take a good look at it. Keywords: bicycle, scooter, railcar, von Drais, history, world legends, patents. Compiled by Natalia OLEYNIK