The Bicycle

A bicycle has two wheels, a seat, and handlebars. You push the pedals with your feet to make it go. A chain connects the pedals to the back wheel. Bicycles are fun, cheap, and good for your body. They do not use gas, so they do not pollute the air.

Bike History

The first bicycle was made in Germany in 1817 by Karl von Drais. It had no pedals, so riders pushed with their feet. Pedals were added in the 1860s. Later bikes had a huge front wheel and a tiny back one. The safe and modern bicycle came out in the 1880s.

Tall wind turbines spinning in the breeze.
Tall wind turbines spinning in the breeze. (Tomasz Sienicki [user: tsca, mail: tomasz.sienicki at gmail.com] / Wikimedia Commons)

Kinds of Bikes

There are many kinds of bicycles. Mountain bikes have fat tires for rough trails. Road bikes are light and fast. BMX bikes are small and strong for tricks. Some bikes even have small motors to help you pedal. Kids can start with training wheels to learn.

Fun Facts

  • There are more than a billion bicycles in the world.
  • The fastest bicycle speed on flat ground is over 180 miles per hour.
  • Bicycles were once called velocipedes.

Did You Know?

Riding a bike for 30 minutes can help make your heart and legs strong.