velocipeden

Velocipeden is a historical term used to refer to early pedal-powered bicycles, particularly those developed in the 19th century. In English, the commonly used name is velocipede; velocipeden appears in several European languages as a plural or variant form. These machines mark the transition from foot-propelled draisines to pedal-driven cycles.

The development begins with the Laufmaschine or draisine, invented by Baron Karl Drais in 1817. This device had a wooden frame, two wheels, and was propelled by the rider running or pushing with their feet on the ground, with no pedals.

In the 1860s, French mechanic Pierre Michaux and his company popularized pedal propulsion by attaching cranks and pedals to the front wheel, creating what became widely known as the velocipede. These early pedaled velocipedes, sometimes called boneshakers, used wooden frames and iron or steel rims, offering limited comfort and rough rides on cobbles.

By the 1870s, the high-wheeler or penny-farthing with a very large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel became fashionable, delivering higher speeds but increased risk of falls.

The 1880s saw the emergence of the safety bicycle, featuring a chain drive to the rear wheel and wheels of similar size. This design, refined by manufacturers such as Starley and others, laid the groundwork for the modern bicycle.

Legacy: Velocipeden-era designs contributed to advances in materials, bearings, and drivetrain systems, and they influenced bicycle manufacturing, safety standards, and cycling culture. They are primarily documented as historical precursors to contemporary bicycles.