Social And Historic Aspects Of Bicycles

First bicycle was introduced in Europe in 19th century. About 21st century, there were more than 1 billion cycles in existence. This number was much more than cars at that time. They were principal means of transportation in many parts of countries. They were like toys in the children of the time.

They were used as fitness tool, military and police applications, bicycle racing, courier service and also used for stunts. Fiets are also known as bike or cycles, may be motor powered or human powered.

The basic shape was for safety purpose but is has changed its title since chain driven model was developed. However, many improvements have done in this field with computer aided designs and modern materials. They are the center of attraction among people now.

The invention of bikes had enormous effect on society. And this is both in terms of modern industrial methods and culture. Several components play an important role in the development of automobile invented for the use in bicycle like tension spoke wheels, pneumatic tires, ball bearings and chain driven sprockets.

SOCIAL AND HISTORIC ASPECTS: Cycles have great impact on human life in both industrial and cultural realms.

Poverty alleviation: It is a well known fact that a bicycle can increase the income of the poor family about 35%. They can use it as a heavy duty vehicle and solve their problems by using it as a medium of transportation. It gives them best returns by no maintenance charges. A bicycle supports roads at micro level. It is a great poverty eradication tool in poor nations.

In daily life: In daily life a bicycle can make us depended by using them instead of horses. They can also less the crowd of the cars in the city with less maintenance charges. They are three times more energy efficient as walking.

They are also used as a means of reducing traffic and air pollution from the cities. Some countries have implemented schemes such as bicycle sharing system. At first it was White Bicycle plan in Amsterdam.

Economic implications: It is true that bicycle manufacturing is proved itself as a training ground for other industries. Now better frames and components are in the market. In 1890s, Wilbur and Orville Wright (a pair of businessmen), ran Wright Cycle Company. They manufactured, designed, and sold bicycles during the bike boom (1890s).

As a result many new and small companies only assemble products which are produced by Asian companies. Example for this is 60% of cycles are made in China now. So China is becoming much wealthier.