The+Bicycle+(1861)-+Gwen+McCain

The Bicycle (1863)

The bicycle was an innovation of the 19th century. Ernest Michaux invented the bicycle in 1863. Early versions had been available since 1790, but were ungainly, ugly, and hard to use. The bicycle is considered an innovation because it altered existing modes of transportation and uses of the wheel. The gears and brakes bicycle represented the changes throughout the industrial revolution, particularily culturally. For the first time inventions were made for enjoyment, rather than necessity.