Whether you know how to ride one or not, we are all familiar with bikes. Many of us remember the summertime as children, going on adventures all over the neighborhood and coasting down the streets with the wind in our hair. Bicycling is a sport, an art, and a mode of transportation, and it provides many people with their most treasured childhood memories.
What if we told you the bicycle was more than just a fun time for kids? Surprisingly, the bicycle has a rich history and was an extremely innovative invention for its time. Now when you’re taking the training wheels off your child’s bike, you can tell them all about their history and purpose!
What Is the History of The Bicycle?
The modern bicycle comes to us originally from Germany. It was invented by Karl von Drais around the beginning of the 19th century. Unsurprisingly, it was invented primarily as a means of faster transportation.
Karl von Drais thought that if he simply put wheels under humans, they would go faster and be able to transport more goods to more places. He was correct, but we doubt he knew just how popular the bicycle would become!
From then on, the bicycle gained popularity for transportation and, eventually, for fun, too. However, it took many years of advances and new developments before we saw the bicycle we know and love today.
Fun Facts About the Bicycle
There are many surprising and humorous facts about the bicycle. Here are three fun and interesting facts about bikes that might just help you on your next trivia night:
- They have lots of nicknames
- Originally, they had no pedals
- They were once illegal
An Invention of Many Names
The bicycle was not always called the bicycle! When it was invented in Germany, its name translated to “swift walker” since its purpose was to increase the speed of the average walker. In England, they have a few funny names! Among them are “push iron” and “penny-farthing.”
No Pedals? No Problem!
You might be surprised to learn that the original bicycle was made completely without pedals and didn’t have them until the late 19th century. They looked similar to the now-popular balance bikes for kids. The rider would simply walk with a large step and allow the bike to let them roll for a moment before taking the next step.
Bikes Were Against the Law
Once bicycles became more popular, they ended up being outlawed for quite some time. When people started to ride them more often, injury rates skyrocketed, and there were no safety measures whatsoever. Once some features were added to make them safer and people got used to riding, they were no longer outlawed.
What Exactly is a Patent, Anyway?
A patent is a certification through the government that allows one person or entity to own the rights to an invention. It is essentially an anti-copy measure, ensuring no one can take your design and make money from it.
Patents are not required to produce something but are highly encouraged. There are several important aspects of an invention that make it patentable, including originality and having an intended use.
What is a Patent Chart?
A patent chart is a kind of illustration that depicts the creation process of a new invention. Patent charts are useful to both inventors and patent reviewers, as they give insight into the different steps of creation. They help protect the inventor in the case of suspected infringement.
What is Bicycle Patent Art?
Bicycle patent art is just what it sounds like: an artistic rendering of the original bicycle patent chart.
Patent art is also available for many other inventions, and these three are our favorites:
All of these are interesting, educational, and unique, but we can’t ignore all the fun possibilities of bicycle patent art as home décor.
Using Bicycle Wall Art
Bicycle wall art of all shapes and sizes has become increasingly popular recently. You can find cute inspirational quotes like “enjoy the ride of life” or find pretty renditions of bicycle wall art with flowers in the bike’s basket. Some people even choose to hang entire bikes on the wall as décor!
Bicycle patent art would make a great addition to the types of decorations above and would add a little flair to your home. Bicycle patent art is unique because it offers an educational look at the bicycle while also being something pretty to look at.
The bicycle patent art linked above is a budget-friendly statement piece. It offers neutral colors and a stunning birch frame that will be a classic conversation piece in your home for years to come.
Who Might Like Bicycle Patent Art?
Bicycle patent art makes a phenomenal gift! We think people of all ages would enjoy bicycle wall art, but here are our top three ideas for recipients:
- Inventors
- Cycling enthusiasts
- Art collectors
The Ingenious Inventor
First on our list of bicycle wall art recipients is, unsurprisingly, an inventor. Inventors and engineers of all kinds love illustrations of someone else’s process, which is why bicycle patent art is perfect. Bicycle wall art may inspire young inventors to start that new creation and design their hearts out!
Bike Riders Everywhere
Those who enjoy cycling would get a kick out of any type of bicycle wall art. Cycling can be a huge part of someone’s personality, so why not honor that with a gift? Cyclists will surely enjoy a slice of history for their favorite sport and will hang bicycle patent art proudly.
Art Enthusiasts
Art lovers of any age can appreciate a good piece of bicycle wall art. Bicycles have been the subject of art pieces for decades, and bicycle patent art would add beauty to their collection. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the craftsmanship and process behind the artwork and will love such a thoughtful gift.
Whether you’re looking specifically for bicycle wall art, other patent art, or even unique gifts like handmade wood maps, Wood Chart is your best bet. Supporting Wood Chart with your purchase of bicycle wall art means supporting a small business and individual artists, so you can feel extra satisfied with your new piece of artwork.