World Bicycle Day brings attention to the advantages of utilising the bicycle — an uncomplicated, affordable, clean, and environmentally sustainable means of transportation. The bike contributes to cleaner air, reduces congestion, and shortens the distance between education, health care, and other social services and the most vulnerable populations. It is a sustainable transportation method that promotes economic growth and reduces inequalities while supporting the action against climate change.
German Inventor Karl von Drais is credited with developing the first bicycle in 1817. Drais was a prolific inventor, but his most popular and widely recognised invention was a two-wheeled bicycle. It incorporated the two-wheeler principle that is basic to the bicycle and motorcycle and was the beginning of mechanised personal transport. This was the earliest form of a bicycle, without pedals.
The Running Machine by Keith Negley A story of pluck and determination inspired by the real events of 1815-17, when a young man named Karl Drais invented the very first bicycle. Before there were trains, or cars, or planes, people rode horses to travel from place to place. Then came the Year without a Summer, when a cloud of volcanic ash blocked the sun and crops withered across half the world. With no oats to eat, horses grew too weak to walk. Everyone despaired—how would they get around?
Pedals were added in 1864 in a Paris workshop. The need for speed spawned the Penny Farthing in 1870, whose wheel size determined the ‘gearing’ of the bike.
In countries around the world, people were realising the usefulness of this vehicle. It was in 1893 in Australia that the bike’s real potential was established. For a time Australia was the long-distance cycling centre of the world, with various distance records established by Australian riders.
Nobody knows exactly how many bikes exist in the world, but it is estimated that there are somewhere around 1 billion.
I have written about this day before, but I have just shared Banjo Paterson's Mulga Bill's Bicycle with a year 2 class and it never ceases to amaze me how interested they are in this book and its story.
Other books I haven't mentioned before that are worth looking for in the library:
The Bicycle by Patricia McCormack and Mevan Babakar.
For generations, Mevan and her family lived in their beloved Kurdistan. But when they are forced to flee by the Iraqi government, Mevan must leave everything behind. Her family travels from country to country in search of safety; and with each stop, Mevan feels more and more alone. Until … a stranger’s gift changes everything. Based on Mevan Babakar’s own childhood, this is a moving reminder of how powerful just one act of kindness can be.
Bicycle Eureka! the Biography of an Idea by Lori Haskins Houran & Aaron CushleyHere is a "biography" of bicycles, an essential invention that keeps people rolling! From the first spark of an idea of a new way to get around to the spread of bicycles throughout the world, Bicycle is a fun and informative look at an invention that makes a huge difference in our lives.
Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear & Gracey ZhangA vibrant historical picture book about Tokyo's bicycle food deliverers, or demae, who balanced towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders while navigating crowded city streets.
Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley
The community that rides together, thrives together! This book celebrates the joys of biking and the community coming together to build safer streets and a brighter future for all.
Pedal, Balance, Steer by Vivian Kirkfield & Alison JayIn the 1890s, times were tough, and opportunities for women were few and far between. When mother-of-three Annie Londonderry saw an ad promising $10,000 to a woman who could cycle around the world in a year, something no one thought possible, she decided it was time to learn to ride. She waved goodbye to her family in Boston and set off for Chicago.
Books on Bikes by F. Isabel Campoy & Brizida Magro
LÃa loves books, and she reads all the time—even while walking her trusty bike through town. But sometimes books can be hard to come by. When LÃa discovers her neighbours are as eager for books as she is, she takes a page from the heroes she has read about and pedals into action! Inspired by real-life book bike programs this book celebrates how one child’s small act can transform communities.
Why are American picture books so expensive in Australia? The last four books are too expensive for most school libraries, so you might need to check at your local library.
For more books about bicycles see this Pinterest. A biography about champion cyclist Chris Hoy has recently been published in the Little People Big Dreams series too.
