Bicycling has a long eccentric history, there was something about it that brought out a certain exhibitionism matched by an equal love for movement. Leaving aside a few crude what were termed “hobbyhorses” , essentially glorified walking aids, the first real bicycle, a two wheeler propelled with both feet continuously off the ground was built by a Scottish blacksmith, Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839. Its rear wheel was driven by treadles and levers. He soon knocked down a child with it, paid a five shilling fine, and faded from history.
Above: According to the Book, Once Upon a City ( Grace M. Mayer) the dapper type who won first prize above made the costume himself, all in one piece.
In Paris around 1862, Pierre Michaud devised the pedal and thus what became the “boneshaker” France built him a large memorial.