The bicycle is arguably one of the more influential inventions of the modern world and still the principal form of transportation in many parts of the world. A remarkable machine, whose defining efficiency seems even more relevant in the modern climate of sustainability.

When Von Drais revealed his 'hobby horse' in 1817, it was as a plaything for the wealthy, but those early pioneers laughing at each others' wobbly progress could hardly have envisaged the impact his invention would have. Development continued through various iterations of the human powered two wheeled (and latterly three and four wheeled) vehicle idea until the late 19th century when all the defining characteristics of the bicycle as we know it were in place and suddenly the bicycle was accessible, both ergonomically and finanically, to the ordinary man and woman. For the first time the ordinary person was properly mobile and horizons were expanded beyond anything previously imagined.
Development continued at a frenzied pace and the period around the arrival of the twentieth century saw an outpouring of energy and a quite unprecendented proliferation of patents relating to the bicycle. In fact, many of the 'modern' developments we see, the derailleur gear, aluminum frame, freewheel, disk wheels, anatomical saddle, clipless pedal, suspension and the folding bike had all been developed and tried by the end of 19th century.
There followed a period of burgeoning sales, but perhaps because of the coming of the motor car, perhaps because of two world wars, that hectic roller coaster of innovation slowed and in most of the succeeding 50 years, whilst bicycles became more sophisticated and increasingly popular, we mainly record small detail changes. It is generally thought that development was also stymied by a zealous and possibly protectionist cycling administration. Nevertheless, for that approximately 50 years spanning the two world wars and before the motor car became generally accessible, the bicycle ruled the roads of Europe, seeing universal use for transportation, leisure and sport.

From that high point, as use of the motor car became more prevalent, the latter part of the 20th century in Europe and the US saw bicycle use dwindle; though it was still used extensively in some countries (for example the Netherlands) and remained popular for leisure and sport. It might well have remained that way, but for the emergence and popularity of the Mountain Bike in the 70s which stimulated interest, investment and consequent new development. All of a sudden, the bicycle was mainstream again and the ensuing 30 years have seen a gradual re-discovering that the bicycle is a machine for everyday use and one, that, in our vital quest for efficiency, is increasingly appropriate.

The early 21st century is seeing a real resurgence in use of the bicycle. There is a proliferation of ingenious ideas and designs, and whilst much of that effort is going into performance cycling there is a real groundswell of interest and development for utility use. New and contemporary solutions for child transportation, getting to work and load carrying are becoming readily available and are increasingly changing the way we look at personal transport.

It's very early days, but the time for a cycling renaissance seems upon us and maybe the 21st century will write a new and illustrious chapter in an already remarkable history.