It exists in the notebooks of Leonardo DeVinci, a design for an object that looks a lot like a bicycle. It has two wheels and even a pedal. But as the authenticity is in doubt, the invention of the bicycle is attributed to the German baron Karl von Drais, in 1817. It will also be called the balance bike. Gradually, throughout the 19thand century, the vehicle will experience many innovations that will bring the velocipede closer to its current form today. After the appearance of the pedalboard, all the same more convenient then, later, of the tire, the bike will be a huge success in France and around the world. The first race will take place in 1867 and the first Touring Club of France will see the light of day in 1890. Until then, the famous Grand Bi or the michaudine, ancestor of the bicyclehave mostly followers within the more affluent classes who love to show off with.
But, then, with the arrival of theautomotive, they will abandon them. This will not taint the expansion of the bike, however. Popular with workers and peasants, it will become more and more popular. This will then be the beginning of the production of mass. The bicycle is also adopted by women who see it as an opportunity to emancipate themselves. Moreover, the law will authorize them to wear trousers, but only when they are riding… on a bicycle!
During the second half of the twentiethand century, the bicycle will experience a renaissance in the face of the conquering automobile in the cities and the countryside. Sportier models are appearing, straight from California. Little by little, the bicycle is taking over territories, especially in the large urban agglomerations saturated with motorized transport and aspiring to breathe a air less polluted. Discover in 15 vignettes, the history of the bike, from the balance bike to the electric bike through the unicycle and the mountain bike. A story that reflects the changes in French society over the past two centuries.