The Birth of the Bicycle

The Birth of the Bicycle: A German Invention in Mannheim

The bicycle, one of the most popular means of transport in the world, has its roots in Germany, more precisely in Mannheim.
The inventor of this revolutionary vehicle was Baron Karl Drais, who in 1817 developed a prototype known as "Laufmaschine" or "racing machine".

June 12, 1817 marks the starting point of the history of the bicycle.
Karl Drais presented his invention on a long walk through the city of Mannheim, demonstrating the effectiveness of his instrument without pedals.

The "Laufmaschine" consisted of a wooden frame, with two wheels aligned and a handlebar for the direction.

The peculiarity of the "Laufmaschine" lay in its simplicity: without pedals, the driver used his feet to push along the ground and maintain balance. Although this prototype may seem primitive compared to modern bicycles, it represented a significant turning point in 19th century mobility.

Drais' invention did not go unnoticed, and his "car to run" began to spread, first in Europe and then in the rest of the world.

Subsequent changes and improvements have led to the creation of the bikes we know today, with the introduction of pedals and other features that have increased efficiency and convenience.

Mannheim, the German city where the bicycle was born, has commemorated the importance of this invention over the years.

Many museums and monuments celebrate the contribution of Karl Drais to the history of two-wheeled transport, underlining the importance of Mannheim as the birthplace of an icon of modern mobility.

In conclusion, the bicycle has its origins in Mannheim, Germany, thanks to the innovative genius of Baron Karl Drais.

This invention has had a lasting impact on our society, providing a sustainable and accessible means of transport for millions of people around the world.